Words Matter
A plain-language glossary for the words that shape public life.
Political Systems & Ideologies
Government structures and political philosophies that shape how power is distributed, who makes decisions, and how authority is justified. These terms are often used loosely. This section pins down their actual meanings and explains how they function in practice.
Revolution
The rapid replacement of a political or social system, driven by collective mobilization and the collapse of existing authority. It differs from reform because it creates a new governing order rather than adjusting the old one.
Regulation
Rules and standards that governments set to guide behavior, manage risk, and protect public interests. Regulations are created by agencies under legislative authority and enforced through inspections, reporting, and oversight.
Repatriation
Repatriation is returning a person to their country of origin. It can be voluntary, involuntary, or part of a humanitarian process. For refugees, voluntary repatriation is only appropriate when conditions allow safe and dignified return.
Remigration
Remigration refers to returning to one’s country of origin after living abroad, either voluntarily or involuntarily. It can involve personal choice, government-supported return programs, or removal decisions. In political discourse, the term is sometimes used as a slogan for mass return of certain groups, which differs from its literal meaning.
Resettlement
The process of transferring refugees from a country of first asylum to a third country that offers permanent protection. Resettlement is voluntary and reserved for refugees who cannot remain safely where they are. Only a small share of refugees are ever resettled.
Refugee
A refugee is a person who has fled their home country because of persecution, conflict, or violence and cannot safely return. Refugee status is defined under international law and requires a well-founded fear tied to specific protected grounds. Refugees do not migrate by choice; they seek protection because remaining at home poses serious risk. The term often appears in debates about borders, humanitarian responsibility, and asylum systems.
Representation
Representation is the principle that elected officials act on behalf of the people who choose them. It is a foundational element of democratic governance, providing a structured way for public preferences to influence policy. Representation determines who has a voice in decision-making and whose interests shape institutions.