State authority and the problem of inequality in Libyan society

Abstract

Social inequality is a prevalent social phenomenon in all human societies since the dawn of time. It manifests as the unequal distribution of income and opportunities among different segments of society. This issue is a source of concern for all countries worldwide, resulting in a divide between rich and poor. In the era of the welfare state, there are those crushed under unjust and oppressive economic systems. Throughout history, political systems have attempted to address this phenomenon, yet they remain unable to find solutions. It is fundamentally a dominant economic phenomenon, whereby a class of opportunists and exploiters has seized control of other classes, exploiting their labor and time. Social inequality has become one of the most prominent problems facing Arab social structures in general, and Libyan society in particular, to varying degrees. This is due to the sharp disparities in income and wealth distribution, along with related economic phenomena and varying living conditions among different segments of society. Its impact is not limited to any one society but extends to all societies, with negative repercussions on economic and social life. This study aims to present indicators of social inequality in... According to an analysis of the position of the responsible authorities regarding these problems and their impact on the standard of living and on the structure of the ruling authority and society, from a societal perspective that covers the totality of the social conditions and circumstances in which Libyan society actually lives, a rentier state can govern by using the rent it receives. At best, it only needs a few specialized professionals to negotiate with the producers who buy the rent, and there is no urgent need for a large staff. International oil-producing companies effectively act as collection agencies for local governments. Thus, we find that the rentier nature of state revenues works against the creation of a strong state or an attempt to involve its society in the affairs of the country. Therefore, we find that the huge revenues accumulated for the government in a rentier state are a double-edged sword.