This chapter explores Libya’s ongoing struggle to transition from a fragile state to a governance framework characterized by stability and institutional resilience. Drawing on two comprehensive field studies, the chapter highlights the enduring challenges posed by the legacy of Gaddafi’s regime, the complexities of post-revolution reconstruction, and the contentious role of civil society. The findings reveal significant gaps in governance and underscore the need for political will, institutional reform, and coordinated international support to achieve sustainable governance. Libya’s situation remains marked by a fragile state structure, exacerbated by the absence of robust institutions even during Gaddafi’s rule. Since the 2011 revolution, the country has been a persistent battleground for conflict and instability. The chapter is based on two key studies: the first conducted by the author during a visit to Libya in mid-2021, engaging with experts in political, governance, and economic fields, and the second based on interviews conducted in early 2023. The diverse sample includes politicians, economists, diplomats, intellectuals, civil society workers, and state officials, offering a wide range of perspectives. Three key conclusions emerge first, the lack of legal and institutional frameworks during the Gaddafi era; second, the formidable challenges of reconstruction amidst ongoing conflict, divisions, militias, and state fragility since 2011; and third, the widespread skepticism towards civil society and NGOs, particularly foreign ones. Many view these entities with suspicion, questioning their potential to contribute to a stable Libya and perceiving them as possibly driven by external agendas that may not align with the interests of the Libyan people.