Abstract
Ghais examines the inherent weaknesses and shortcomings of power sharing formulae in the Middle East, especially in Syria. He introduces an operational definition of identity conflict and presents the debate about the success prospects of power sharing formulae of consociational democracy. He, then, identifies the essential conditions that sustain democracies in identity pluralistic societies to include even socio-economic development to precede democratization, enlightened elite who enjoy legitimate representation of their groups and are committed to the unity of the state, “citizens” who belong and perceive full legal equality and participation, and the important recognition and support of the neighboring states and major powers. In light of these theoretical dimensions, Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon seem likely to have turbulent futures.
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Ghais, C. (2018). Resolving Identity Conflict in the Middle East: A Theoretical Understanding. In: Salamey, I., Abu-Nimer, M., Abouaoun, E. (eds) Post-Conflict Power-Sharing Agreements. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-60104-5_2
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