polycentrism

American  

[pol-ee-sen-triz-uhm] / ˌpɒl iˈsɛn trɪz əm /

noun

1. the doctrine that a plurality of independent centers of leadership, power, or ideology may exist within a single political system, especially Communism.

2. the fact of having many centers of authority or importance.

   the polycentrism of American intellectual life.

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polycentrism British  

/ ˌpɒlɪˈsɛntrɪzəm /

noun

1. (formerly) the fact, principle, or advocacy of the existence of more than one guiding or predominant ideological or political centre in a political system, alliance, etc, in the Communist world

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Other Word Forms

• polycentric adjective
• polycentrist noun

Etymology

Origin of polycentrism

First recorded in 1955–60; polycentr(ic) + -ism

Example Sentences

It would sunder the Communist bloc, nearly all of whose members have embraced "polycentrism" as the correct philosophy for relations between Communist countries and Russia.

From Time Magazine Archive

The latest word is "polycentrism," meaning that there can be several headquarters of Communist thought and leadership.

From Time Magazine Archive

Willy-nilly, Moscow is more committed to "polycentrism," while Peking still demands greater discipline among the Asian Communist parties in its domain.

From Time Magazine Archive

Italian Communist Leader Palmiro Togliatti has already coined the word for this state of affairs: polycentrism.

From Time Magazine Archive