The word regime (also "régime", from the original French pronunciation) refers to a set of conditions, most often of a political nature.
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In politics, a regime is the form of government: the set of rules, cultural or social norms, etc. that regulate the operation of government and its interactions with society. For instance, the United States has one of the oldest regimes still active in the world, dating to the ratification of its Constitution in 1789. Although modern usage often gives the term a negative connotation, like an authoritarian one, Webster's definition clearly states that the word "regime" refers simply to a form of government.[1]
Political use of "regime" concerns international regulatory agencies (see International regime), which lie outside of the control of national governments. These have more power over a greater range than postal or telecommunications agreements, for example, and constrain national governments.
In scientific discussions, a regime is a class of physical conditions, usually parameterised by some specific measures, where a particular physical phenomenon or boundary condition is significant. Very often a regime corresponds to a limiting condition. The region of measurable parameter space that corresponds to a regime is very often loosely defined. Examples include "the superfluid regime",[2] "the steady state regime"[3] or "the femtosecond regime".[4]
In geography and hydrography, "regime" refers to the changing conditions of river beds and other features, such as systems of sandbars.
Specific references:
General references:
Essentials of Comparative Government, Patrick O'Neil.