power politics
3
7.4
- noun
- /ˈpaʊər ˈpɒlɪtɪks/
- Literature
:
política de poder
- We have come to grips with the fact of a permanent American exposure to great power politics.
- balance of power politics
- great power politics
- international power politics
She concluded by saying let those who believe in power politics remember Bismarck's dictum.
- She concluded by saying let those who believe in power politics remember Bismarck's dictum.
Examples
-
In the case of Syria and Iraq, it is domestic and regional power politics in almost equal measure.
Academic text (2010) -
The collapse of the treaty highlighted the dangers of power politics where might often trumps morality in diplomatic relations.
-
I believe the reason why has more to do with great power politics than interest group dynamics.
Academic text (2004) -
Putin made clear, however, that power politics would not be the driving force of Russian policy.
Academic text (2004) -
The drawing must address some cause being fought out in the adult world of power politics.
Academic text (1994) -
Ideology and power politics have, in recent decades, dealt serious blows to international law.
Academic text (1996) -
History suggests, however, that grand strategies do not alter the trajectory of great-power politics all that much.
Academic text (2011) -
Put another way, it was classic balance-of-power politics, with Russia growing more assertive to counter others' actions in the region.
Academic text (2004) -
Jiang Zemin, in his farewell address to the congress, stated: "We oppose all forms of hegemonism and power politics."
Academic text (2003) -
Nations often engage in power politics by forming alliances to strengthen their positions in international negotiations.
Synonyms
4
6.3
A forceful action to gain control over other people
2
7.6
Government actions to get involved in other countries' affairs, often using political or military force
1
8.1
Using or threatening military force to make another country obey, often by sending ships
Antonyms
How Aggressive
- Offensive
2
7.6
- Literature
3
7.4
- Formal
5
9.6
- Formal
201
3.7
Surface Forms
Morphology
The sense 'politics based on power or force/influence' follows directly from combining 'power' (ability to influence) and 'politics' (maneuvering for influence). This noun+noun composition is a common, compositional pattern and is expressed similarly in many languages, so a B1 learner who knows both words can reliably infer the MWE meaning.
Etymology
Power politics comes from the simple picture of politics as a struggle for power, where countries push, use strength, or apply pressure instead of following friendly rules. So, it means 'using force or pressure to get what you want'.