Ethnocracy

An ethnocracy, also known as an ethnostate, is a type of political structure featuring "rule by a particular ethnos in a multi-ethnic situation". Ethnocracies may involve a state apparatus controlled by a dominant ethnic group (or groups) to further that group's perceived 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. 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 Israeli critical geographer Oren Yiftachel introduced the theory of ethnocratic regimes in 1997.