power-broker
Behind-the-scenes operator
A power-broker is someone who wields influence behind the scenes, arranging deals and shaping outcomes without holding formal authority.
The term usually applies to politics or business, where power-brokers connect people, broker agreements, and extract favors: The real decisions were made by party power-brokers, not the candidates.
The implication is often of backroom dealing rather than transparent process.
Political influence wielder
- puppeteerPerformer controlling jointed figures
- wheeler-dealerAggressive, scheming dealmaker
- fixerOne who resolves issues
- operatorOne who works machinery
manipulator · insider · godfather · consigliere · string-puller · dealmaker · networker · rainmaker
Paid legislative influencer
- strategistExpert in planning campaigns
- advisorOne who gives guidance
- consultantProfessional advice provider
- punditProfessional opinion-giver
apparatchik · politico · operative · bagman · fundraiser · caucus
Member of small ruling class
- tycoonDominant industrial leader
- magnateWealthy business leader
- plutocratRuler through wealth
- baronLow-ranking peer
kingpin · financier · patriarch · dynast · establishment · connected · well-connected · privileged
Negotiating agreements between parties
- bargainingNegotiating mutually acceptable terms
- leverageBorrowed capital for amplified returns
- compromiseAgreement through mutual sacrifice
- mediationIntervention to resolve conflict
arbitration · diplomacy · conciliation · horse-trading · quid-pro-quo · closed-door · consensus-building · stakeholder
kingmaker
Political influence wielder
- puppeteerPerformer controlling jointed figures
- wheeler-dealerAggressive, scheming dealmaker
- fixerOne who resolves issues
operator · manipulator · insider · godfather · consigliere · string-puller · dealmaker · networker · rainmaker · gatekeeper
lobbyist
Paid legislative influencer
- strategistExpert in planning campaigns
- advisorOne who gives guidance
- consultantProfessional advice provider
pundit · apparatchik · politico · operative · bagman · fundraiser · caucus
oligarch
Member of small ruling class
baron · kingpin · financier · patriarch · dynast · establishment · connected · well-connected · privileged · entrenched
deal-making
Negotiating agreements between parties
- bargainingNegotiating mutually acceptable terms
- leverageBorrowed capital for amplified returns
- compromiseAgreement through mutual sacrifice
mediation · arbitration · diplomacy · conciliation · horse-trading · quid-pro-quo · closed-door · consensus-building · stakeholder · trade-off
power-brokernobody
Inconsequential person
ordinary citizen · small fry · little guy · foot soldier · powerless
power-brokerunderling
Person of lower rank
subordinate · follower · minion · lackey · victim
power-brokerelected official
Voter-chosen public servant
public servant · elected representative · officeholder · titular head · figurehead
power, broker, powers, powered, powering, powerful, powerless, powerfully, powerlessness