Consociational

/ˌkɒnsəʊsiˈeɪʃənəl/ adjective

Definition

Relating to a political system where different ethnic, religious, or cultural groups share power and govern together as equals.

Etymology

Adjective form of 'consociation,' following standard English -al suffix formation. First used widely in academic political theory in the late 20th century.

Kelly Says

Consociational democracy is so counterintuitive it sounds like it shouldn't work—imagine a parliament where Protestants and Catholics have to agree on everything—but it actually kept some deeply divided countries from tearing apart.

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