Regime

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The word regime (occasionally spelled "régime", particularly in older texts) refers to a set of conditions, most often of a political nature. However, it may also be used synonymously with "wiktionary:regimen", for example in the phrases "exercise regime" or "medical regime".

Contents 1 Politics 2 Science 3 Other uses 4 See also 5 Notes

[edit] Politics

In politics, a regime is the form of government: the set of rules, both formal (for example, a constitution) and informal (common law, cultural or social norms, etc.) that regulate the operation of government and its interactions with society. For instance, the United States has one of the oldest regimes still active in the world, dating to the ratification of its Constitution in 1789.

The term need not imply anything about the particular government to which it relates, and most political scientists use it as a neutral term. However, informal use of the word usually carries a negative connotation, usually referring to a government considered oppressive or dictatorial, whether it is in power through a consistent application of its constitution or not.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Science

In scientific discussions, a regime is a class of physical conditions, usually parameterised by some specific measures, where a particular physical phenomenon or boundary condition is significant. Very often a regime corresponds to a limiting condition. The region of measurable parameter space that corresponds to a regime is very often loosely defined. Examples include "the superfluid regime", "the steady state regime" or "the femtosecond regime".^{[citation needed]}

In geography and hydrography, "regime" refers to the changing conditions of river beds and other features, such as systems of sandbars.

[edit] Other uses

Another political use of "regime" concerns international regulatory agencies (see International regime), which lie outside of the control of national governments. These have more power over a greater range than postal or telecommunications agreements, for example, and constrain national governments.

[edit] See also

• International regime
• Regime change
• Regime theory
• Ancien Régime

[edit] Notes

Essentials of Comparative Government, Patrick O'Neil.de:Regime eo:Reĝimo (politiko) fr:Régime id:Rezim it:Regime ja:政権 pl:Reżim simple:Regime sv:Regim zh:政权