This book brings together a number of intersecting themes concerning consociationalism as a means of sharing power and building effective political institutions within deeply divided societies.
"Mediating Power Sharing is a superb read for those interested in the concept of power sharing. It takes an authoritative look at three power sharing areas in the world. It characterises the good and the not so good, but very interestingly makes a compelling case for these institutions to evolve. They cite many examples where the need for and ability to reform has helped continue the journey of building trust and consensus. They warn of the dangers of trying to freeze power-sharing in time in order to avoid solidifying the societal differences, which made it necessary in first place. Reform can take different forms, from all-party talks, with or without outside facilitators, to the legislative processes - and no matter how painstakingly slow the processes can be, they are always worthwhile. With expert knowledge and first-hand experience of observing these institutions and their Members work, the authors have tracked the changes with the passage of time and what impact that has had.
Whilst not losing sight of fundamental principles and safeguards, the most successful and enduring democracies in the world have had flexible and evolving constitutions and political systems. Regions and countries with consociational systems and power-sharing governments need to embrace this reality. All parties interested in making power-sharing work in the long-term would do well to read Mediating Power-Sharing."
- John McCallister, Commissioner at the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission and former MLA for South Down and Deputy Leader of the Ulster Unionist Party in Northern Ireland
"Even if every case proves specific, "power to the peaceful" might be the motto of all consociational states around the globe.?Belgium and?the Brussels Capital Region, amongst others, can provide a useful example for divided societies: our?institutional system, although complex,?undoubtedly?fulfills?the?aim of serene living between the Flemish and?French communities."
- Minister-President of the Brussels Capital Region, Rudi Vervoort
Well-grounded in the contemporary scholarship about how best to manage conflict in divided societies, this book offers an interesting and insightful comparison of Northern Ireland, Brussels, and Cyprus. Highlighting similarities and differences in the cases and the ways they have been managed, the main conclusion of the authors is that flexibility and adaptability over time are critical, but often neglected ingredients of successful conflict settlement. Relevant far beyond the enduring and inconclusive debates about the best 'model' of conflict settlement, this is an important lesson that will resonate well with students and practitioners in the cases covered here and further afield.
- Professor Stefan Wolff, University of Birmingham , UK
