There is growing evidence that including ethnic minorities in government can help end civil wars. Yet constitutionally enshrined power-sharing, often implemented through ethnic quotas and formal guarantees, remains controversial. While it can reduce conflict and support democratization, it may also generate new grievances among disadvantaged minorities, provoke majoritarian backlash, and keep ethnic divisions politically salient. This book examines these trade-offs, analyzing both the pacifying potential of constitutional power-sharing and its potential side effects on democratic quality and state legitimacy among different ethnic groups. Distinguishing between the main types of power-sharing, Andreas Juon presents a global analysis of 181 countries since 1945. Drawing on cross-national data and large-scale surveys, he shows how constitutional arrangements can simultaneously secure peace, shape democracy, and influence public attitudes. Juon offers clear, evidence-based guidance for designing stable, inclusive institutions. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.

‘Drawing on rich new macro- and micro-level evidence, Andreas Juon delivers a timely, nuanced vindication of Lijphart: power-sharing can curb conflict. Yet he squarely confronts its trade-offs for legitimacy and democracy, offering scholars and policymakers indispensable guidance for building durable peace in divided societies-without losing sight of democracy's future.'

Lars-Erik Cederman - Professor of International Conflict Research, ETH Zürich

‘In ‘Terminating the War, Losing the Peace?', Andreas Juon clearly and convincingly shows how constitutional power-sharing can end wars and support democracy. Importantly, he considers not only elite perspectives but also how ordinary citizens perceive power-sharing. One of the best interventions on power-sharing performance that I've encountered!'

Allison McCulloch - Professor of Political Science, Brandon University