palace politics
Royal power struggles
Palace politics refers to the scheming, rivalry, and power struggles among insiders close to a leader or center of authority.
The term evokes royal courts where courtiers competed for the monarch's favor through intrigue rather than merit.
It now applies to any organization where advancement depends on personal relationships and internal maneuvering: The CEO's sudden departure was the result of palace politics, not poor performance.
- machinationsCrafty scheming toward goals
- skullduggeryUnderhanded or dishonest behavior
- dynasticOf successive rulers
- intrigueSecret plotting or fascination
- power brokerInfluential behind-scenes dealmaker
inner circle · seraglio · kingmaker · maneuvering · backstabbing · subterfuge · underhand · shadow play · smoke-filled room · succession crisis · coup d'état · factionalism · antechamber · regency · vizier · flattery · royal court · scheming
- Nepal Historyunification, Gurkhas, federal republic, hereditary rule, royal succession
palace politicsdemocratic process
Collective decision-making by citizens
participatory democracy · open government · direct democracy · civic engagement · public accountability
palace politicsgrassroots politics
Civic action from below
revolutionary politics · electoral politics · populist movement · labor organizing · community organizing
palace, politics, palaces, palatial, palatine, politic, political, politically, politician