الدولة الريعية : ثقافة اقتسام الثروة بدلا من إنتاجها

Abstract EN

Using rentier state theory and descriptive analysis method, this paper highlights the interaction between rent, resource abundant and the economic, social, political and cultural factors in Libya.

It discusses the theoretical approach to the rentier state, and focuses on the determinants of the Libyan economy.

The rentier state is a state where the government is financially independent of its society and unaccountable to its citizens.

Most of the rentier states are ruled by an authoritarian regimes, where the governments do not rely on income taxes to finance its expenditures, and contribute through their practices, in establishing a rentier mentality, which in turn may negatively affect the national economy and the development prospects of the state in the long run.

Besides, the rentier state is often characterized as a one sided economy, and as a consequence, the political vision of this state is often dominated by security interests, and a deficient and a distorted culture, devoted to its service, whereas the society is closed and isolated.

By contrast, economic diversity contributes to providing a solid ground for pluralism and democracy on the political side, opening up to the other on the social side and promoting diversity in the cultural context.

Because Libya is highly considered as a rentier state, depends heavily on oil revenues, it is necessary to avoid the mistakes of the past experience when planning for the future development in Libya.

This implies diversifying the economy structure according to a comprehensive vision, which enables transforming toward democracy in which could substitute the rentier culture by alternative cultural patterns that maximize the value of labor and production instead the values of indolence, consumption, and obsession.