Ethnocracy

An ethnocracy is a type of political structure in which the state apparatus is controlled by a dominant ethnic group (or groups) to further that group's interests, power, dominance, and resources. Ethnocratic regimes in the modern era typically display a 'thin' democratic façade covering a more profound ethnic structure, in which ethnicity (race, religion, language, etc.)—and not citizenship—is the key to securing power and resources.[1] An ethnocratic society facilitates the ethnicization of the state by the dominant group, through the expansion of control likely accompanied by conflict with minorities or neighbouring states.

The theory of ethnocratic regimes was initially developed by critical geographer Oren Yiftachel during the 1990s as a means of understanding and describing Israel.[2][3] Scholars have since argued both for and against the general utility of the model and its specific applicability to Israel and other states.

  1. ^ Anderson, James (Nov 30, 2016). "ETHNOCRACY: Exploring and Extending the Concept". Cosmopolitan Civil Societies. 8 (3): 1–29. doi:10.5130/ccs.v8i3.5143. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference Yiftachel1997 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference Smooha2003 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).