Power-Sharing: Institutional and Social Reform in Divided Societies - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0745322921 ISBN 13: 9780745322926

Publisher: Pluto Press, 2005

Synopsis

It is widely assumed that internal power-sharing is a viable democratic means of managing inter-communal conflict in divided societies. In principle, this form of government enables communities that have conflicting identities to remedy longstanding patterns of discrimination and to co-exist peacefully. Key arguments in support of this view can be found in the highly influential works of Arend Lijphart and Donald Horowitz.

Power-Sharing seeks to explore the unintended consequences of power-sharing for the communities themselves, their individual members, and for others in society. More specifically, it is distinctive in questioning explicitly whether power sharing: perpetuates inter-communal conflict by institutionalising difference at the political level; inhibits conflict resolution by encouraging extremism; stifles internal diversity; and fails to leave sufficient space for individual autonomy.

This book not only provides a theoretical exploration and critique of these questions, but comprehensively examines specific test cases where power-sharing institutions have been established, including in Northern Ireland, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Macedonia and Lebanon. It also explores such issues as the role of political leaders, human rights
instruments, the position of women, and the prospects for reconciliation within such societies.

Furthermore it provides a detailed set of policy recommendations to meet the challenges of transition in deeply-divided societies.

About this title

About the Author:

Ian O’Flynn is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Essex and Visiting Scholar at Harvard. David Russell is currently Research Associate at the Centre for Lebanese Studies, Oxford University.

Review:

This book is suitable for advanced college and graduate students, as well as scholars, policymakers, and policy analysts. -- Perspectives on Political Science It is very current and salient, given the ongoing and burgeoning attempts to effect power-sharing coalitions in divided societies that are the scene of recent conflict... I think this would prove to be a valuable addition to the shelves -- Rock Wilford Queens University, Belfast It is very current and salient, given the ongoing and burgeoning attempts to effect power-sharing coalitions in divided societies that are the scene of recent conflict... I think this would prove to be a valuable addition to the shelves -- Roger MacGinty, Depts of Politics, York University

About this edition

• Publisher: Pluto Press
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 0745322921
• ISBN 13: 9780745322926
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 240
• Editor: O'Flynn Ian, Russell David