powerbrokers
Behind-the-scenes dealmakers
Powerbrokers are people who wield influence behind the scenes, brokering deals and shaping outcomes without holding formal authority.
The term typically describes political operatives, wealthy donors, or well-connected figures who determine who gets what: The real powerbrokers met privately before the vote.
The word implies that visible leaders aren't always the ones making decisions.
Wealthy few who govern
- tycoonsPowerful business leaders
- magnatesWealthy, powerful industrialists
- kingmakersThose who decide leadership
- mogulsBumps or bigwigs
plutocrats · insiders · heavyweights · dealmakers · fixers · rainmakers · influencers · establishment
Informal power or punch
- leverageBorrowed capital for amplified returns
- swayRock back and forth
- pullForce toward oneself
- muscleContractile body tissue
authority · dominance · control · command · grip · hold · ascendancy · supremacy
Discussion seeking mutual accord
- bargainingNegotiating mutually acceptable terms
- mediationIntervention to resolve conflict
- brokeringNegotiating deals between parties
- horse-tradingShrewd, tough negotiating
compromise · concessions · terms · agreements · contracts · proposals · counteroffers · coalition-building
Paid political persuaders
- policymakersOfficials who create rules
- senatorsUpper legislative body members
- legislatorsElected law-making officials
- diplomatsForeign government representatives
parliament · cabinet · governors · superdelegates · regulators · bureaucrats · ambassadors · committees
Crafty and calculating
- puppeteeringAnimating figures by hand
- machinationCrafty scheming, often hostile
- maneuveringSkillful directional control
- orchestrationScoring for instrumental ensemble
masterminding · string-pulling · arm-twisting · engineering · calculating · conniving · coercion · exploitation
Relationships between things
- schmoozingCasual strategic socializing
- alliancesFormal unions for cooperation
- partnershipsFormal business alliances
- liaisingCommunicating between parties
outreach · access · introductions · referrals · galas · boardrooms · Davos · summits
oligarchs
Wealthy few who govern
- tycoonsPowerful business leaders
- magnatesWealthy, powerful industrialists
- kingmakersThose who decide leadership
moguls · plutocrats · insiders · heavyweights · dealmakers · fixers · rainmakers · influencers · establishment · well-connected
clout
Informal power or punch
muscle · authority · dominance · control · command · grip · hold · ascendancy · supremacy · weight
negotiation
Discussion seeking mutual accord
- bargainingNegotiating mutually acceptable terms
- mediationIntervention to resolve conflict
- brokeringNegotiating deals between parties
horse-trading · compromise · concessions · terms · agreements · contracts · proposals · counteroffers · coalition-building · consensus-building
lobbyists
Paid political persuaders
- policymakersOfficials who create rules
- senatorsUpper legislative body members
- legislatorsElected law-making officials
diplomats · parliament · cabinet · governors · superdelegates · regulators · bureaucrats · ambassadors · committees · caucus
scheming
Crafty and calculating
- puppeteeringAnimating figures by hand
- machinationCrafty scheming, often hostile
- maneuveringSkillful directional control
orchestration · masterminding · string-pulling · arm-twisting · engineering · calculating · conniving · coercion · exploitation · subterfuge
connections
Relationships between things
- schmoozingCasual strategic socializing
- alliancesFormal unions for cooperation
- partnershipsFormal business alliances
liaising · outreach · access · introductions · referrals · galas · boardrooms · Davos · summits · conferences
- eliteselites, plutocrats, oligarchs, aristocrats, blue bloods
- corruptioncorruption, graft, kickbacks, bribery, bribes
- VIPscelebrities, superstars, head of state, stars, legend
- inner circlesinner circle, inner ring, inner sanctum, in-group, ingroup
powerbrokersfigureheads
Powerless titular leaders
puppets · rubber stamps · front men · mouthpieces · empty suits
powerbrokerspawns
Lowest-ranked chess pieces
underlings · subordinates · lackeys · minions · foot soldiers