{"product_id":"democracy-by-decree-prospects-and-limits-of-imposed-consociational-democracy-in-bosnia-and-herzegovina-9783838208121","title":"Democracy by Decree - Prospects and Limits of Imposed Consociational Democracy in Bosnia and Herzegovina","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003eConsociational power-sharing is a preferred post-conflict political system that guarantees the inclusion of all groups in the political process and prevents a tyranny of the majority. Adis Merdzanovic's book develops a theoretical and empirical approach to understanding consociational democracies with external intervention, using the case of Bosnia and Herzegovina. \u003c\/blockquote\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFormat\u003c\/strong\u003e: Hardback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLength\u003c\/strong\u003e: 432 pages\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublication date\u003c\/strong\u003e: 08 December 2021\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublisher\u003c\/strong\u003e: ibidem-Verlag, Jessica Haunschild u Christian Schon\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe introduction of consociational power-sharing as a post-war political system has emerged as a widely favored approach within the international community to address the challenges posed by conflicts characterized by internal divisions based on factors such as ethnic, religious, linguistic, or national identity. By ensuring the inclusion of all groups in the political process, consociationalism aims to prevent the dominance of a single majority over one or more minorities. However, the effectiveness of consociationalism can be undermined when external actors intervene in the political landscape. In this groundbreaking book, Adis Merdzanovic offers a theoretical and empirical framework for understanding consociational democracies that incorporate external intervention. Drawing upon the case of Bosnia and Herzegovina, where the consociational Dayton Peace Agreement brought an end to the three-year war between Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks twenty years ago, the author elaborates on the various approaches employed in the past and provides practical recommendations for future state-building endeavors by the international community.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConsociationalism, as a post-war political system, has gained significant prominence in the international community as a means to address conflicts characterized by internal divisions. Its primary objective is to ensure the inclusion of all groups in the political process, thereby preventing the dominance of a single majority over one or more minorities. This approach is particularly relevant in situations where warring polities are divided along ethnic, religious, linguistic, or national lines.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOne of the key advantages of consociationalism is its ability to foster stability and prevent the recurrence of violent conflicts. By promoting a system of power-sharing and checks and balances, consociationalism helps to mitigate the tensions and grievances that can lead to violence. It also provides a platform for minority groups to voice their concerns and participate in the decision-making process, thus promoting a sense of inclusivity and belonging.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHowever, the effectiveness of consociationalism can be challenged when external actors intervene in the political process. In situations where international actors play a significant role in shaping the political landscape, the advantages of consociationalism may be overshadowed by the influence of foreign powers. This can lead to the marginalization of minority groups and the erosion of their political rights and representation.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTo address these challenges, it is important for the international community to adopt a nuanced and balanced approach to intervention. While external intervention can be necessary to promote peace and stability, it should be done in a way that respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the affected country. This requires a clear understanding of the local context, a willingness to engage with all stakeholders, and a commitment to promoting long-term sustainable development.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the case of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the consociational Dayton Peace Agreement played a crucial role in ending the three-year war between Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks. The agreement was designed to promote power-sharing and ensure the inclusion of all groups in the political process. However, the success of the peace agreement has been challenged by the ongoing presence of international actors, particularly the United Nations Peacekeeping Force (UNPROFOR).\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhile UNPROFOR has been instrumental in maintaining peace and stability in the country, its presence has also been criticized for its heavy-handed approach and its tendency to favor one group over another. This has led to concerns that the peace agreement may be undermined and that the country may revert to violence.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTo address these concerns, it is important for the international community to reassess its approach to intervention in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This may involve a reduction in the presence of UNPROFOR and a greater emphasis on promoting local ownership and responsibility for peace and security. It may also involve providing support to minority groups and promoting their participation in the political process.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn conclusion, consociationalism as a post-war political system has the potential to promote stability, prevent violence, and promote the inclusion of all groups in the political process. However, the effectiveness of this approach can be challenged by external intervention. To address these challenges, the international community should adopt a nuanced and balanced approach to intervention that respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the affected country. This may involve a reduction in the presence of international actors, a greater emphasis on promoting local ownership and responsibility, and support for minority groups and their participation in the political process.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight\u003c\/strong\u003e: 866g\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimension\u003c\/strong\u003e: 171 x 243 x 36 (mm)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eISBN-13\u003c\/strong\u003e: 9783838208121\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Adis Merdzanovic","offers":[{"title":"Hardback","offer_id":44097300529402,"sku":"9783838208121","price":42.4,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0522\/4297\/2845\/products\/1646122034060_book.jpg?v=1646742747","url":"https:\/\/shulphink.com\/products\/democracy-by-decree-prospects-and-limits-of-imposed-consociational-democracy-in-bosnia-and-herzegovina-9783838208121","provider":"Shulph Ink","version":"1.0","type":"link"}