Imposing the Outcome vs. Imposing the Process: Lessons on Dependency Syndrome from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Northern Ireland
Abstract This paper explores the role of external actors in the establishment and sustainability of power-sharing arrangements in post-conflict Bosnia and Herzegovina and Northern Ireland. It examines the actions and strategies of international and kin-state actors in the first decade following the peace agreements in both regions. The study highlights the contrasting outcomes: the lack of local buy-in and dependency syndrome in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the relative success and cooperation in Northern Ireland. By analyzing the circumstances leading to the agreements, the institutional and structural differences, and the strategies employed by external actors, the paper provides insights into the factors that influence the effectiveness of power-sharing mechanisms. The findings underscore the importance of local elite buy-in, the impact of federalism and consociationalism, and the critical role of external actors in shaping post-conflict governance. The paper concludes with lessons learned and implications for future peacebuilding efforts in divided societies.