ABSTRACT
The book examines nonsectarian social movements in divided societies. It addresses the complex dynamics through which power sharing intersects with and affects nonsectarian groups and the various practices generated by these groups to support peace building. Social movements play a key role in advancing sectarian interests on behalf of the ethnic group, fomenting intercommunal antagonism, and even spawning forms of collective violence in the process. Della Porte and Diani argue that social movements can be distinguished from other types of civil society groups because they construct conflictual relations with clearly defined opponents. Touraine defines social movement mobilization as organized conflicts or as conflicts between organized actors over the social use of common cultural values'. Nonsectarian movements can transform modes of everyday life, thinking and spatial programmes that maintain and perpetuate social divisions. It may also promote transparency and accountability from governments and ethnic elites. The capacity of social movements to construct alternative public spheres is also important.
