Conversely, Lijphart seems to see the option that Gurr described as power sharing to be the best alternative to protect minority rights. Pluralism and power sharing being the strongest protectors of minority rights and the more common practice globally, Lijphart focuses on these two systems. Lijphart argues that majoritarian democracy is more likely to allow for majorities to tyrannize minorities. He argues that consensus government gives minorities greater power in governing themselves, while allowing minorities and majorities to maintain their identities. While minority rights may seem like an old issue, it is one which is still unsolved.
Ethnic conflict erupts when minorities feel that their rights go unprotected.
As ethnic conflict still haunts states across the globe, it is clear that we have yet to find the solution. Gurr gives a good framework for evaluating options, but does not recommend a particular balance which will lead to peace. Lijphart notes that consensus democratic institutions need a consensus democratic culture in order for peaceful coexistence between majorities and minorities. Perhaps their limitations are wisely acknowledged, since states should realize that their is no easy answer to solving ethnic conflict and further academic study and state experimentation is needed. Ghanem, As ad.