Ruining Revolution

The political turmoil in Libyawhich has claimed more than 20,000 lives and frustrated international partners since 2011is an immensely complex struggle for power with a dizzying array of participants. How did Libyas Arab Spring devolve into civil war after the removal of longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi? Ruining Revolution examines Libyas descent into chaos, pinpointing the roles of Islamist and Salafi forces. Focusing on two key but underestimated movements, the Libyan Muslim Brotherhood and Libyan Salafi Madkhalis, Inga K. Trauthig argues that ideological groups have been of greater importance than previously assumed. She maps out crucial junctions in Libyas recent history, tying in these movements pasts, to show how Islamist and Salafi forces have stoked instability. Although the 2011 Libyan revolution was not religious, these groups proved surprisingly well-equipped to capitalize on social and political fissures and to attract international support. Featuring deep research and rigorous analysis, this book draws on a range of sources, including in-depth interviews and propaganda shared on social media. Ruining Revolution illuminates the dynamics that have shaped contemporary Libyawith significant policy implications for regional engagementand offers broader insight into the underlying workings of a range of radical groups.