Skip to main content
siloviki

siloviki

1 9.9
Powerful government officials from police, army, or spy services who work together to control state policy, often in Russia
  • noun
  • /sɪloʊˈviːki/
  • Literature
translation icon : siloviki
  • The relationship between the government and the siloviki can affect national security and international relations.
  • known as the siloviki

Examples

  • After the election, several siloviki were appointed to key positions in the administration.

  • The siloviki have gained significant influence over national security policies in recent years.

  • Many analysts believe the siloviki are behind the government's tough stance on protests.

  • The siloviki have significant influence over Russian politics.

  • Many siloviki come from military backgrounds.

  • The siloviki, influential military and intelligence officials, play a crucial role in shaping Russia's political landscape.

  • In many post-Soviet countries, the siloviki hold significant power, often guiding state policy behind the scenes.

Synonyms

politburo
vssiloviki
  • Informal
1 9.1

A small group of leaders in an organization who make major decisions in secret

is a group made up of security, intelligence, or military officials who influence policy

How Powerful

siloviki
  • Literature
1 9.9
power broker
  • Literature
14 7.0
intelligence officer
  • Specialized
33 3.7

Surface Forms

siloviki plural
silovik singular

Etymology

Siloviki comes from the Russian sila 'power' or 'force' and the ending -ovik meaning 'a person of'. So siloviki are literally 'people of force' — officials from the police, army, or intelligence who hold a lot of power in government.