Peace Settlements and Political Transformation in Divided Societies: Rethinking Northern Ireland and South Africa

Peace Settlements and Political Transformation in Divided Societies explores the political settlements in Northern Ireland and South Africa in the 1990s, comparing the two cases and examining the connections between them. The book highlights the differences between the two societies, including the misidentification of South Africa as an example of consociationalism and the overlooked aspects of its political transformation. It also emphasizes the role of external mediation in the creation and survival of Northern Ireland's institutions, while South Africa's political institutions seem relatively secure. The book is of interest to students, researchers, and scholars of conflict resolution, comparative politics, ethnic politics, and democratization.

Format: Hardback
Length: 206 pages
Publication date: 03 October 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Peace Settlements and Political Transformation in Divided Societies delves into the aftermath of remarkable political settlements in Northern Ireland and South Africa in the 1990s, exploring the comparative aspects between the two cases. The author expands the narrative by examining the interconnectedness of these divided societies during the consolidation of their settlements. He highlights how their paths diverged in reality and perception, emphasizing the initial overemphasis on similarities between the two cases. The book sheds light on how the South African case was misidentified as an example of consociationalism, exerting a lasting influence on comparative studies of power-sharing. It also underscores the neglect of other aspects of South Africa's political transformation, such as respect for the constitution and the rule of law. In contrast, the treatment of Northern Ireland's settlement as a model for other deeply divided societies has overlooked the crucial role of external mediation in the creation and survival of its institutions. Northern Ireland's dependence on favorable external circumstances explains why the Good Friday Agreement faces a threat to its survival. By contrast, South Africa's political institutions appear relatively secure, despite the vast scale of the country's socio-economic problems.

This book appeals to students, researchers, and scholars of conflict resolution and peace processes, comparative politics, ethnic politics, and democratization. It also holds significance for those engaged in governance in deeply divided societies. By examining the experiences of Northern Ireland and South Africa, the book offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of achieving peace and political transformation in divided contexts.

Weight: 557g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032119878