On Ideocratic Polities and Projects. Theoretical Considerations

Abstract

This article approaches the role of ideocratic projects, focusing on
cosmocratic and constitutional domination, while looking at the concept
of ideocracy in premodern and especially modern contexts. The article also
argues for the conceptual usefulness of the term ideocracy in analysing
certain regime types, and, especially when considering totalist dimensions,
enabling researchers to go beyond traditional left-right or religious-secular
divides. Whereas cosmocratic domination represented a fundamental trait
in premodern ideocracies, modern ideocratic projects have tended to move
to a constitutionalist form of domination. In doing so, ideocracies typically
stay true to their doctrinal core, even as they may end up pursuing a hybrid
approach.