Sharing Power, Securing Peace?: Ethnic Inclusion and Civil War

Power sharing is a policy used by policymakers to reduce violent conflict in multi-ethnic states. However, its effectiveness is disputed by scholars. This book argues that power sharing is usually the best option to reduce and prevent civil conflict in divided states, focusing on practices rather than formal institutions, studying its preventive effect, and analyzing how it is invoked in anticipation of conflict.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 300 pages
Publication date: 07 July 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Power sharing is a strategy employed by policymakers worldwide to promote peace and stability in multi-ethnic states. While there are numerous successful examples of power sharing, such as Switzerland, South Africa, and Indonesia, it is important to note that power sharing arrangements do not guarantee the prevention of violent conflict. In fact, there have been instances where power sharing has failed to prevent or mitigate conflicts, including Rwanda, Yugoslavia, Zimbabwe, and South Sudan.

Scholars have differing opinions on whether power sharing actually reduces conflict. Some argue that power sharing can help to reduce tensions and prevent conflict by sharing resources and power among different groups. Others argue that power sharing can create new power dynamics and exacerbate existing conflicts.

This book aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of power sharing and its impact on conflict prevention. It focuses on practices rather than formal institutions, studying power sharing's preventive effect, analyzing how power sharing is invoked in anticipation of conflict, and demonstrating that territorial power sharing can be effective if combined with inclusion at the center.

The authors' findings demonstrate that power sharing is usually the best option to reduce and prevent civil conflict in divided states. Power sharing can help to reduce tensions, promote dialogue, and build trust among different groups. It can also help to address the underlying political and social grievances that contribute to conflict.

However, power sharing is not without its challenges. It requires a high level of political will and commitment from all parties involved, as well as a willingness to compromise and find common ground. Power sharing can also be difficult to implement and sustain, particularly in countries with complex political systems and histories of conflict.

In conclusion, power sharing is a strategy that has the potential to promote peace and stability in multi-ethnic states. While there are challenges and risks associated with power sharing, it is often the best option to reduce and prevent civil conflict. Policymakers and scholars should continue to study and explore the effectiveness of power sharing in different contexts to improve its outcomes and promote long-term peace and stability.

Weight: 447g
ISBN-13: 9781108406550