plurinationalism

Plurinationality, plurinational, or plurinationalism is defined as the coexistence of two or more sealed or preserved national groups within a polity (an organized community or body of peoples). In plurinationalism, the idea of nationality is plural, meaning there are many nationals within an organized community or body of peoples. Derived from this concept, a plurinational state is the existence of multiple political communities and constitutional asymmetry. The usage of plurinationality assists in avoiding the division of societies within a state or country. Furthermore, a plurinational democracy recognizes the multiple demoi (common people or populace) within a polity. Reportedly the term has its origin in the Indigenous political movement in Bolivia where it was first heard of in the early 1980s. As of 2025, Bolivia and Ecuador are constitutionally defined as plurinational states. Proposals for plurinationalism have also been heard in Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, and Guatemala.

Plurinational states are similar to multinational states, but are particularly often advocated for by indigenous peoples.