power politics

noun

, (used with a singular or plural verb)

1. political action characterized by the exercise or pursuit of power as a means of coercion.
2. international diplomacy based on the use or threatened use of military or economic power.

power politics

noun

1. functioning as singular (in international affairs) the threat or use of force as an instrument of national policy

Word History and Origins

Origin of power politics¹

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

Slow of speech, Fiennes’ Macbeth gives us a clue as to what Hamlet might be like if he had survived and learned to play the deadly game of power politics.

From Los Angeles Times

Subianto bristles at international criticism over human rights and other topics, but he’s expected to keep the country’s pragmatic approach to power politics.

From Seattle Times

“The ‘rules-based international order’ championed by the U.S. is in fact another version of power politics,” the report said.

From Washington Times

“Impeachment is an act of pure power politics,” said Ben Wikler, chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party.

From Seattle Times

For China’s top leader, Xi Jinping, the summit was another opportunity to assail the United States by calling for an end to “hegemonism” and “power politics.”

From New York Times