Civil Adoptability of Transitional Power-Sharing in Elite Pluralism

• In Event: Durability of Peace

Abstract

The peace agreement between the government and a rebel group illustrates a transitional power-sharing in a secessionist conflict resolution. How did civilians ‘adopt’ this elite-negotiated political mechanism as their new power-sharing? Does this ‘civil adoptability’ build peace? Local political landscapes of post-conflict societies tend to be oligarchic. The sociopolitical foundation of a Muslim rebel group tends to be clans. What elements will be critical for ‘civil adoptability’ in this political environment of elite pluralism? This empirical case study will focus on the process and crucial elements of ‘civil adoptability’ in transitional power-sharing in a post-Muslim secessionist conflict in the southern Philippines. Firstly, I illustrate the local elite pluralism and transitional power-sharing in Bangsamoro. Secondly, I discuss how civilians learn and adopt power-sharing. Lastly, I explore their indicators for civil adaptability. Methodologically, I empirically observed their public information campaigns with the peace panel members, local elites and civilians in grassroots communities before, during, and after the national peace agreement. Dialogues with local elites and grassroots people enrich the findings. This study will contribute to learning civil perceptions to adopt power-sharing and develop public legitimacy in democratic peacebuilding.

Author

• Megumi Kagawa, Waseda University