Power Sharing

New Challenges For Divided Societies

David Russell editor Ian O'Flynn editor

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Pluto Press

Published:20th Oct '05

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

Power Sharing cover

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.

'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' -- Rock Wilford Queens University, Belfast

ISBN: 9780745322933

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 451g

240 pages