Power-Sharing in Europe: Past Practice, Present Cases, and Future Directions

This book evaluates the performance of consociational power-sharing arrangements in Europe, covering early adopters, new wave cases, and unresolved conflict.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 283 pages
Publication date: 16 December 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive book delves into the evaluation of consociational power-sharing arrangements in Europe, exploring the factors that influence their emergence, operation, and transformation. It examines the conditions under which consociational arrangements come into existence, their practical functioning, and the mechanisms through which they undergo reform or termination. The volume comprises a series of chapters, each dedicated to examining different aspects of consociationalism. These chapters cover early adopters of consociationalism, such as the Netherlands and Austria, as well as countries that continue to employ consociational processes to manage their diverse differences, such as Belgium, Switzerland, and South Tyrol. Additionally, the book analyzes "new wave cases" where consociationalism was adopted after violent internal conflicts, such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Northern Ireland, and cases of unresolved conflict where consociationalism may still play a role in mediating ongoing divisions, such as Cyprus and Spain.

Soeren Keil, a Reader in Politics and International Relations at Canterbury Christ Church University in the United Kingdom, is the author of this insightful work. Allison McCulloch, an Associate Professor of Political Science at Brandon University in Canada, contributes her expertise as a co-author.

Consociationalism, a political system prevalent in Europe, is characterized by the presence of multiple political parties and power-sharing institutions. It aims to balance the competing demands of different groups and regions within a country, promoting stability and consensus. The book examines the various factors that contribute to the adoption and success of consociational arrangements, including historical legacies, cultural factors, and economic structures. It also explores the challenges and dilemmas faced by consociational systems, such as the difficulty in forming stable governments, the potential for conflict and division, and the need for ongoing reform and adjustment.

One of the key themes of the book is the role of institutions in shaping the dynamics of consociationalism. It examines the different types of institutions that are commonly associated with consociationalism, such as federalism, devolution, and multi-party systems, and explores how they contribute to the stability and functionality of power-sharing arrangements. The book also discusses the role of political actors, such as politicians, interest groups, and social movements, in the negotiation and implementation of consociational agreements. It highlights the importance of compromise, negotiation, and the building of trust between different groups in order to sustain consociational power-sharing arrangements.

Another important aspect of the book is its examination of the impact of consociationalism on democratic governance and social welfare. It explores how consociational systems can promote political participation, accountability, and the representation of diverse interests. It also examines the challenges posed by consociationalism to democratic consolidation, such as the potential for political fragmentation and the difficulty in forming stable governments. The book argues that consociationalism can be a valuable tool for promoting democratic stability and social cohesion, provided that it is implemented and managed effectively.

In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive and insightful analysis of consociational power-sharing arrangements in Europe. It offers a valuable contribution to the study of political systems and governance, providing a deeper understanding of the factors that influence the emergence, operation, and transformation of consociationalism. The book's findings will be of interest to scholars, policymakers, and practitioners alike, as it sheds light on the challenges and opportunities associated with power-sharing arrangements in diverse political contexts.

Weight: 401g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030535926
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021