The dynam~cs of a rotatin~ pl~sma in a transverse electrode geometry appropriate to high power CO 2 laser discharge pumpmg IS examined. The magneto-gas-dynamic fluid model used reveals that the spatially no~uniform e~e~tric and magnetic fields within the discharge cause the plasma and neutral.gas rota!lonal VelOClties.to be strongly sheared within the cathode fall and the positive colu~~ regions. Thl~ sheared r~tatlOn serves to both stabilize the discharge against glow to arc transltlOns and to dnve a centnfugal neutral gas flow within the volume. The concomitant bulk gas cool~n~ e~e~t so produced is particularly beneficial in a high powered CO 2 electrical discharge laser. as It mhlblts thermal bottle necking. An order of magnitude increase in discharge power 10adlOg has been achieved utilizing a simple "magnetic electrode" discharge configuration.