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May 2015 Vol. 52 No. 9

This book adds much to research on institutional theory, democratization, and post-conflict resolution.  McEvoy (Univ. of Aberdeen, UK) provides detailed case studies of Bosnia, Macedonia, and Northern Ireland to illustrate paths toward power sharing when majoritarianism is “not a fair, realistic option to promote peace."  The author discusses when power-sharing arrangements have failed, led to stalemate, or been successful.  The book artfully demonstrates that executive design is a dynamic, not static, process and that institutional revisions can result in greater legitimacy in the eyes of some elites while producing distrust among others.  McEvoy’s study of institutional design processes, rules, and the role of external actors is beneficial because many international organizations are involved in peace building.  A great strength of this book is that it results, in part, from McEvoy’s many interviews with officials involved in these power-sharing arrangements.  It also provides a synthesis of the growing literature on institutional approaches to politics.  However, the book would appeal more to undergraduates if it provided a better overview of institutional theory and had more explicit connections to studies in identity politics early on.

--S. L. McMillan, Lander University

Summing Up: Recommended. Graduate, research, and professional collections.