regimerather

Regimerather is a term in political science used to describe a governing approach in which an incumbent regime presents itself as reformist while preserving core power structures. The term combines elements of "regime" and "rather" to emphasize conditional, incremental change rather than abrupt upheaval. It is typically applied to regimes that pursue selective policy liberalization, controlled political competition, and selective co-optation to maintain legitimacy.

In practice, regimerathers employ rhetorical concessions, legal or constitutional adjustments, and targeted economic or social policies to placate rival groups and international observers. They often maintain strong security services, manipulate electoral rules, and restrict independent media, while framing changes as gradual and consultative. The strategy aims to create a veneer of reform without transferring real power to opposition actors.

Scholars use the concept to distinguish between regimes that undergo genuine liberalization through crisis or reform movements and those that offer performative or reversible reforms to stabilize rule. Critics argue the term may obscure the coercive and pluralistic dimensions of such regimes or legitimize autocratic governance by emphasizing procedural changes.

The term is increasingly used in analyses of semi-authoritarian or hybrid regimes where formal institutions appear competitive but actual power remains centered. It can also be applied to examine how international audiences respond to reformist rhetoric and whether such responses translate into durable political changes.