Critical Reflections on Power-Sharing: LUGARIT at the University of Fribourg Conference

23 August 2024  -  University of Fribourg, Switzerland

On August 23, 2024, Zedoun Alzoubi, Director at LUGARIT, participated in a high-level panel discussion at a conference at the University of Fribourg, Switzerland. The event, held as part of the Institute of Federalism’s Summer University on Federalism, Decentralization, and Conflict Resolution, was dedicated to presenting research findings from the project "Power-Sharing for Peace? Between Adoptability and Durability in Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq."

Sponsored by the Swiss Network for International Studies (SNIS), the project investigates the effectiveness of power-sharing agreements in fostering sustainable peace in Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq. The research focuses on the conditions under which these agreements are adopted and the challenges that arise during their implementation.

During the roundtable titled “Power-sharing: Solution or Challenge? Insights from Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq,” Mr. Alzoubi joined other distinguished experts to discuss the project's findings and their implications for peacebuilding efforts in the region.  

The panel discussion explored several critical challenges and questions surrounding the adoption and durability of power-sharing agreements in conflict-affected regions like Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq. One of the key insights was the increasing difficulty in securing new power-sharing agreements, as seen in the protracted process in Syria. Panelists suggested that this difficulty stems from a combination of complex international and domestic dynamics, security dilemmas, and shifting actor preferences. They debated whether power-sharing remains a realistic goal in Syria and what essential elements, such as the inclusion of local realities and a commitment to flexibility, would be required for any future agreement to succeed.

The conversation also addressed the varying definitions of the durability of power-sharing systems, ranging from minimal goals of conflict cessation and security to more ambitious expectations of delivering effective governance and improving citizens' well-being. The panellists discussed whether power-sharing should aim for more than just ending violence and whether it has indeed supported peace in the regions studied. While some argued that power-sharing has been instrumental in halting immediate conflict, others pointed out its limitations in addressing deeper societal issues, particularly in Lebanon and Iraq, where power-sharing systems persist despite ongoing crises. The discussion highlighted the need for these systems to evolve towards greater functionality and inclusivity, with a stronger role for ordinary citizens and civil society organizations to bridge the gap between what the system delivers and what citizens expect.

The conference, which attracted researchers, practitioners, and policymakers, provided a platform for discussing the evolving role of power-sharing in the Middle East. As the region continues to grapple with complex political and social challenges, the insights shared during this event will undoubtedly contribute to ongoing debates on how to achieve durable peace through inclusive governance structures.

For more information on the project, visit the Project Summary page on the SNIS website.  Link >

Header Photo

The Peshmerga, a standing military of Kurdistan Region, an autonomous political entity within Iraq.  Photo © Farzin hassan - Via Pixabay.  Link >

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