The center-periphery model is one in which authority is concentrated in a single center which is more or less influenced by its periphery, depending upon the situation in which it finds itself. Such polities or organizations tend to develop organically, either around a pre-existing center or through generating one over time. They tend to be oligarchic in character, with power in the hands of those who constitute the center. Power is either concentrated or dispersed according to decisions taken in the center which may or may not include significant representation from the peripheries. (Elazar)
References
Elazar, D, Jeruselam Center for Public Affairs, Contrasting Models of Democracy, viewed on 22 May, 2006, <http://www.jcpa.org/dje/articles2/contmodels.htm>