Regimbyten

Regimbyten is a term used in political science to describe the process by which a political regime—a system of governing authority and the constitutional order—undergoes a fundamental transformation. The word combines regim, meaning regime, and byten, meaning change, and is used to distinguish changes in the basic political order from routine leadership turnover. The concept is applicable across contexts where institutions, norms, and rules are rearranged or replaced.

Regimbyten can occur through a range of mechanisms, including elections, constitutional reform, negotiated settlements, coups, revolutions, or external intervention. They may be peaceful or violent, internal or externally supported, and can affect leadership, powers of the executive, the structure of the legislature, the judiciary, electoral rules, and civil liberties. Transitions may be rapid or gradual and can be partial, addressing some institutions while leaving others intact.

Scholars distinguish shallow regimbyten, which preserve core institutions while altering leadership or policies, from deep regimbyten, which reconstruct or replace core constitutional arrangements and the balance of power. Indicators used to assess a regimbyten include changes to constitution, executive-legislative power distribution, judicial independence, party systems, electoral laws, and the protection of civil rights. Outcomes range from improved legitimacy and stability to instability and economic disruption.

Regimbyten are central to studies of democratization, authoritarian resilience, and international security, as regime changes can alter regional balance and policy directions. See also regime change, political transition, democratization, and constitutional reform.