ethnocracy

American  

[eth-nok-ruh-see] / ɛθˈnɒk rə si /

noun

1. government controlled by the dominant ethnic group, or by two or more distinct ethnic groups, each representing only its own interests: .

   Some believe the country's ethnocracy is responsible for the atmosphere of discontent and division

2. a nation, state, or community in which political power is distributed according to ethnic or racial affiliation.

   The country would remain an ethnocracy until a fully democratic system was instituted.

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Etymology

Origin of ethnocracy

First recorded in 1905–10; ethno- ( def. ) + -cracy ( def. )

Example Sentences

In Israel, as elsewhere, ethnocracy and kleptocracy go hand-in-hand.

From The Guardian

“There is an aspiration for ethnocracy,” added Mr. Penslar.

From New York Times

Some would like to see a more religious element; others worry that it denotes an ethnocracy.

From New York Times