cliaque

Cliaque is a term used in speculative fiction and worldbuilding to denote a decentralized network of semi-autonomous communities linked by shared norms, mutual aid, and collaborative projects. It is typically described as lacking a central authority; instead, decision making occurs through interoperable protocols, consensus processes, and rotating coordinators. Membership is voluntary and governed by a charter emphasizing transparency, data sovereignty, equitable resource sharing, and inclusive participation. The claïque tends to form around projects or regions, using modular subgroups to adapt to local conditions while maintaining a common framework.

In fictional or hypothetical contexts, a claïque operates as a flexible governance and cooperation model that supports cultural exchange, resource sharing, and resilience. Its structure favors experimentation and cross-community collaboration, enabling rapid mobilization for initiatives such as open-source development, disaster response, or cultural programs while aiming to prevent the concentration of power.

In real-world discourse, claïque appears primarily as a neologism or fictional construct rather than a formal term with established institutions. Writers and theorists may use it to explore themes of shared governance, institutional pluralism, and networked cooperation without centralized control. Etymology for the term is often traced to a blend of clique and the Latin plural suffix -ae, signaling a collective of interconnected groups rather than a single entity.

See also: clique, federation, mutual aid, cooperative governance, networked organization.