Monocentrism

Monocentrism is a concept used in various fields, including political science, economics, and urban studies, to describe a system or organization that has a single, dominant center of power, activity, or influence. This central point can be a capital city, a specific institution, a particular ideology, or a core economic entity. In a monocentric system, peripheral areas or elements tend to be subordinate and derive their importance or function from their relationship to the central core.

In urban planning, monocentrism refers to a city with a single, prominent downtown area that serves as the primary hub for business, culture, and administration. This contrasts with polycentric urban development, which features multiple centers of activity. Historically, many major cities developed in a monocentric fashion, with a clear distinction between the central business district and surrounding residential or industrial areas.

In political science, monocentrism can describe a state with a highly centralized government where most decision-making authority resides in a single capital or ruling body. This is in contrast to federal systems or more decentralized governance structures. The concept also appears in discussions of international relations, where a unipolar world, dominated by a single superpower, can be seen as a form of global monocentrism.

Economically, monocentrism might describe a region heavily reliant on a single major industry or corporation, with other economic activities serving or supporting that central element. This can create vulnerabilities if the dominant center experiences decline. Overall, monocentrism highlights the structure and dynamics of systems organized around a singular focal point.