Libya is a failed state. The different factors of instability can be grouped into the six areas of governance, international relations, demography, economy, social standards, and security, which are all interrelated. Altogether, the situation in Libya is very complex. It must not be simplified by reducing the conflict on a fight for or against General Heftar or the Islamists. For now, a major improvement is not in sight.

Wolfgang Pusztai is a freelance security and policy analyst with a special focus on North Africa. He was the Austrian Defense Attaché to Italy, Greece, Libya and Tunisia from 2007 to 2012. He has a Master’s Degree from the University of Vienna (Political Science) and from the National Defense University/National War College in Washington D.C. (National Security Strategy; distinguished graduate). He is Director of the California-based advisory company Perim Associates. Since 2016 he is the Chairman of the Advisory Board of the National Council on US-Libya Relations.