meïn

Meïn is a term used in a fictional cultural and linguistic context to describe a form of communal governance that combines rotating leadership with consensus-based decision-making. In the imagined communities where meïn appears, political life is organized around regular assemblies in which residents propose and deliberate on collective matters, and leadership duties rotate on a fixed schedule.

Etymology

Meïn derives from the Meïnese language, where me- is a prefix meaning "together" and -ïn denotes a process or action. The earliest in-universe use is found in 1923 in a novella by S. Ahn, and it later became established in the in-universe Meïn Reference Compendium.

Definition and structure

Practically, meïn requires inclusive participation, record-keeping of debates, and a decision rule based on broad consensus rather than simple majority. Councils are composed of rotating delegates to ensure wide representation; decision-making on policy or resource allocation follows defined stages: proposal, debate, amendment, and vote by consensus or supermajority thresholds when necessary. Critically, veto and conflict-resolution mechanisms exist to prevent gridlock.

Variations and reception

Different communities implement meïn with variations in rotation lengths, seats, and ritual practices; some emphasize a spiritual dimension, others a strictly secular process. In-universe reception is mixed: supporters highlight accountability and social cohesion, critics point to potential inefficiency and delays.

In fiction

Meïn has been used in multiple works of fiction to explore themes of democracy, community resilience, and governance without formal elections.