nondominance

Nondominance, also spelled non-domination, is a political and philosophical concept describing a condition in which no person or institution wields arbitrary or unaccountable power over another. It emphasizes freedom not only from interference but from the possibility that another actor can coercively control, constrain, or constrain one’s choices without justification. The idea is closely associated with republican theories of liberty, particularly the work of Philip Pettit, who defines liberty as the absence of domination rather than merely the absence of interference. Under nondominance, individuals should have security against arbitrary power and the means to contest or resist power when it is exercised unjustly.

Achieving nondominance typically involves institutional design that curtails the discretionary power of rulers and ensures accountability. Core mechanisms include the rule of law, checks and balances, separation of powers, independent and impartial courts, transparent procedures, and regular, fair elections. While often discussed in political and constitutional contexts, nondominance can also be applied to private power relations—such as those between employers and employees or landlords and tenants—where one party might wield overbearing control over another’s life.

Supporters argue that nondominance complements other liberal and egalitarian aims by addressing structural sources of tyranny and arbitrary control, thereby enhancing genuine autonomy and political participation. Critics, however, debate what counts as arbitrary power, how to balance nondominance with other values (such as efficiency or security), and the scope of the concept across political, social, and personal spheres.