Alternating dominance : social categorization, group formation and the problem of borders

Abstract

In his opening introduction, Moghaddam (this volume) points to the fact of recurring dictatorships, that is, when a dictatorial regime is overthrown only for another dictatorial regime to take its place. In this opening introduction, I would like to point out that democratic governance may not be sufficient to eradicate this issue. I would like to argue that democratic societies afford a similar alternating dominance structure through the formation of coalitions. I would like to suggest that democratic coalitions often take the form of alternating dominance structures, where the will of those who dominate at a certain point in a given society is imposed on society at large for a given constitutionally prescribed tenure, only to be displaced by another dominating coalition at a subsequent point in time. This is particularly the case when a political party wins with an absolute majority and is able to govern without the need for a cross-party coalition.