Dual Authority

Dual authority occurs when two different groups or institutions have legitimate power over the same area or population, often leading to overlapping or conflicting control. This can happen in complex systems like government, where, for example, political leaders and military leaders both hold authority, or in organizations with multiple governing bodies. It can create tension or uncertainty about who has the final say, especially when their interests or decisions conflict. Essentially, dual authority means shared or competing sources of power within a single system, which requires clear boundaries or mechanisms to manage the relationship between the authorities.