Conceptualizing Asymmetrical Consociations: Some Evidence

This study explores a novel concept, “asymmetrical consociation” in deeply divided societies. It discusses how electoral rules create asymmetries for dominant ethnic groups within a society in regards to accessing four consociational principles: grand coalition, proportionality, mutual veto, and segmental autonomy. This article distinguishes between positive and negative asymmetries and examines their impact on inter-segmental elite cooperation and stability, particularly in bi-ethnic polities within Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Bosniak-Croat Federation entity and Mostar. It asserts that asymmetrical consociations often derive from electoral rules that lack a clear direction, leading to inter-segmental tensions and political impasses. This study contributes to the debate on consociationalism and power-sharing political system designs and identifies avenues for further research.