Why consociationalism has not united Iraq
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Date
2007-05
Authors
Rees, Ashley A.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Oregon
Abstract
This thesis examines the reasons that consociational theory has been unable to unite
Iraq's disparate religious and ethnic communities and prevent sectarian violence. It
describes, analyzes and applies Arend Lijphart's theory of consociationalism to Iraq in
order to determine if the resulting instability stemmed from theoretical flaws, problems in
its application, or if specific characteristics of Iraqi culture caused the power-sharing
model to fail. In light of scholarly support for a consociational government i,n Iraq, this
proj ect will explore if consociationalism was attempted in Iraq, and if so, what went
wrong in its implementation. To do so, this thesis analyzes Iraq's constitutional
provisions in light of Lijphart's theory to determine that it was consociational. Having
established this, the thesis then highlights the divisive nature of Iraq's constitutional
process and the intensified Shi'a-Sunni tensions that resulted. Lastly, it considers
theoretical criticisms of consociationalism with regard to Iraq, specifically highlighting
the role of key Shi'a and Sunni leaders in eroding inter-ethnic relations. This analysis of
consociationalism's failure in Iraq highlights the points of departure from inter-group
cooperation in Iraq and draw conclusions about the causes for current Shi'a-Sunni
tensions.
Description
v, 55 p. : ill. maps. A THESIS Presented to the Department of Political Science and the Clark Honors College of the University of Oregon in partial fulfillment of the requirements for degree of Bachelor of Arts, May 2007. A print copy of this title is available through the UO Libraries under the call number: SCA Archiv Rees 2007
Keywords
Iraq -- History -- 2003-2011, Consociationalism