Power Sharing: A Double Edged-Sword for Peace

Power sharing is a double-edged sword: it can stabilize post-conflict societies or reignite tensions. In this episode of Understanding Peace Puzzles, the Synthcast unpacks the complexities of power-sharing structures—unitary, devolved, federal, and confederal states—using real-world examples from Bosnia, Colombia, Yemen, and beyond.

Discover how careful timing, fiscal decentralization, and inclusivity are crucial to turning power sharing into a catalyst for lasting peace. While giving marginalized groups a seat at the table can foster reconciliation, implementing power sharing too quickly can backfire—allowing harmful actors to exploit power vacuums or weak central governments.

From vertical to horizontal power sharing, and the advantages and disadvantages of federal, unitary, and confederal systems, this episode explores how governance can be shared, expanded, and redefined.

🎧 Listen now to learn how the right recipe for governance can help build a more peaceful and stable future.

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In Peace Puzzles, experts unravel the intricate challenges of peace negotiations, examining the puzzles that parties in conflict must solve to build lasting agreements. Season 1, Understanding Peace Puzzles, brings the Lawyering Peace book to life in five engaging conversations—one for each chapter—exploring case examples, substantive issues, and common conundrums that shape peace processes.

Listeners will discover how to address critical puzzles, such as sharing a state's monopoly of force, reallocating natural resources, restructuring state systems, and designing paths toward self-determination. These discussions equip future negotiators with insights and tools to craft context-specific solutions that support durable peace.

As an innovative SynthCast, Season 1 features artificial voices generated by AI, offering a fresh and accessible way to engage with these essential topics.