Consociationalism Meets Centripetalism: Hybrid Power-Sharing

Contemporary power-sharing theory is characterized by an impasse between consociationalism and centripetalism. This article proposes the concept of hybrid power-sharing (HPS) as a possible solution. HPS political systems not only combine institutional features from the different power-sharing models but HPS’s “own” institutions may also be shaped. The article conceptualizes such hybrid institutions within HPS, demonstrates empirical examples and proves how specific centripetal and consociational components meet in each of them. The article’s main purpose is to present the new, deepened HPS conceptual assumptions defined and systematized based on the cases of Nigeria, Indonesia, Kenya, and Burundi.