power politics

noun

plural in form but singular or plural in construction

: politics based primarily on the use of power (such as military and economic strength) as a coercive force rather than on ethical precepts

Examples of power politics in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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Together, these conversations offer a window into how global leaders are approaching a period of potential turmoil—and provide an unvarnished guide to power politics in an era of American disruption. —

Foreign Affairs, 16 Jan. 2025 The apparent collapse of more than 50 years of Assad family rule over the Syrian Arabian Republic is a monumental turning point in Middle East power politics. —

Benjamin Weinthal, Fox News, 8 Dec. 2024 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. —

Victoria Milko, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Feb. 2024 Most people cannot comprehend the coming changes or imagine how prolonged depopulation will recast societies, economies, and power politics. —

Nicholas Eberstadt, Foreign Affairs, 10 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for power politics

Word History

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of power politics was in 1901

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Power politics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/power%20politics. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

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