Abstract:
This thesis analyzes democratization models for deeply divided society
undergoing political transition. It takes the federalization and
consociationalization strategies as implemented in Iraq as a case study. A
comparative analysis is further conducted in order to evaluate the Iraqi
governing experience in contrast to alternative power-sharing strategies for
ethno sectarian divided societies.
The thesis provides an assessment of the various power-sharing models and
entertains the viability of majoritarian pluralism. It focuses on each model
success in the attainment of four major transitional indicators: security,
ethnic/sectarian pluralism, national cohesion, and social equity. These four
transitional indicators are further evaluated in their foreign policy
implications relevant to three neighboring countries: Iran, Syria and Turkey.
The thesis demonstrates the viability and limitations of power sharing
models for ethnically divided countries undergoing democratic transitions.
