Pluralism is thepolitical theory thatpolitics anddecision-making are located mostly in the framework ofgovernment but that manynon-governmental groups use their resources to exert influence.
Under classical pluralist theory, groups of individuals try to maximize their interests through continuous bargaining processes and conflict. Because of the consequent distribution of resources throughout a population, inequalities may be reduced. At the same time, radical political change will be met with resistance due to the existence of competinginterest groups, which collectively form the basis of ademocratic equilibrium.[1]
Theorists of pluralism includeRobert A. Dahl,David Truman, andSeymour Martin Lipset.
Pluralists believe that social heterogeneity prevents any single group from gaining dominance.[2] Because of the long-term instability of coalitions, competition among competing interests groups is easily preserved.[3]
Dahl describes power as a "realistic relationship, such as A's capacity for acting in such a manner as to control B's responses".[4] In Dahl's view, because "political heterogeneity followssocioeconomic heterogeneity", social differentiation increasingly disperses power.
Elite pluralism notes the presence of inequities due to elites holding greatly disproportionate societal power,[5] or by systemic distortions of the political process itself, perpetuated by, for example,regulatory orcultural capture. Theories of elite pluralism have argued thatrepresentative democracy is flawed and tends to deteriorate towardsparticracy oroligarchy, by theiron law of oligarchy or otherwise.[6]
Neo-pluralism emerged as a challenge to classical pluralist theory.[7] Neo-pluralist political scientistCharles E. Lindblom attributes primacy to the competition betweeninterest groups in the policy process but recognizes the disproportionate influence business interests have in the policy process.
Ininternational security, during the policymaking process, different parties may have a chance to take part in decision making. The party who has more power has more opportunity to gain even more power and increase the possibility of getting what it wants.[8]
The Anti-Pluralism Index inV-Party Dataset is modeled as a lack of commitment to the democratic process, disrespect for fundamental minority rights, demonization of opponents, and acceptance of political violence.[9] The V-Party Dataset demonstrates higherautocratization for high anti-pluralism.[10]
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