The European Institute of the Mediterranean think tank has published a policy study “Conflict in Libya: a multidimensional crisis”. Composed of four papers from different authors, each paper attempts to look at the diverse economic, political and social issues that challenge Libya in both the short and long term. The collection’s introductory paper by Alexandra Magnólia Dias evaluates Europe’s relationship with the Maghreb, arguing:
The refugee and migrant crisis has transformed the Maghreb into a buffer region which mediates pressures from Sub-Saharan Africa. However, this crisis cannot be dissociated from a much deeper and more meaningful crisis: that of the European political project. The latter shows us that globalisation and nationalism are not progressing necessarily in opposite directions. The externalisation of the EU’s borders advances hand in hand with its partnership with North Africa, revolving more around guaranteeing the former’s energy security and the latter’s stability. Paradoxically, economic globalisation and the reinforcement of national sovereignty in the face of the refugee and migration crisis advance in a mutually reinforcing fashion, shaking hands and breaking alternative political projects based on multiculturalism.
Click here to read the policy study.