centralism
This term describes a structural preference for top-down governance, often carrying a connotation of rigidity or a lack of local autonomy. It is frequently employed in political science and historical analysis to describe the organizational logic of states that seek to eliminate regional disparities or resist separatist movements by consolidating power.
As an abstract noun representing a political theory or systemic practice, it is treated as an uncountable mass noun. It does not typically take a plural form in standard usage, as it refers to a conceptual framework rather than a discrete object.
Meanings
Examples
The empire collapsed because its rigid centralism left provincial governors with no power to react to local crises.
I wonder if this company's extreme centralism is why every small decision takes three weeks to be approved.
Democratic centralism is a core principle of certain political parties.
The transition from federalism to centralism sparked widespread protests across the nation.