Suchergebnisse

It is widely assumed that internal power sharing is a viable democratic means of managing inter-communal conflict in divided socieites. 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 influentional 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 powersharing: 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 also comprehensively examines specific test cases where power-sharing institutions have been established, including Northern Ireland, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Macedonia and Lebanon. It explores such issues as the role of political leaders, human rights, 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. (Pluto Press)