Abstract
The notion of “consociational democracy” originated from prolonged debates in the 1950s over prerequisites for democratic stability. The concept then spread rapidly in both Western and Third World comparative analysis. From this base Arend Lijphart went on to develop contrasting majoritarian and consensual models more widely applicable to all established democratic countries. This article examines the general conditions favorable to consensual rather than adversarial politics, and then briefly surveys six selected countries that exemplify consensual elements in greater or lesser degree. Its conclusion poses the question whether consensual politics is better visualized as a coherent model or as a series of devices and practices that can be employed piecemeal in many situations.
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