Power-sharing: a conflict resolution tool?
This paper briefly presents the key characteristics of power-sharing arrangements and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of such mechanisms. It argues that, indeed, power-sharing arrangements are often necessary for settlements to be reached. However, it also argues that such arrangements should be transitional and that, during transitional periods, efforts should be made to expand political participation beyond the members of power-sharing governments. Thus, mediators need to be aware of the pitfalls of power-sharing agreements and, when possible, to consider ways in which agreements may encourage wider political participation during transitional periods.