Power politics

The use of power politics implies the unscrupulous use of issues to make political capital for a particular party in order to obtain or maintain power. It differs from political opportunism in being a long-term activity, an undeclared part of party policy or a trend, and in being solely a group activity. The ultimate implication of power politics is political dictatorship, but it more often constitutes a barrier to political progress, inducing political apathy and alienation and serving to maintain existing social inequalities.

1. Domination

1. Undue political pressure
2. Totalitarianism
3. Political opportunism
4. Political barriers to effective legislation
5. Disempowerment

1. Unethical practices in politics
2. Unequal distribution of fame and honours
3. Propaganda
4. Promotion of negative images of opponents
5. Political injustice
6. Political inequality
7. Political conflict
8. Political burglary
9. Political apathy
10. Official secrecy
11. National political disintegration
12. Misuse of electronic surveillance by governments
13. Improper financing of political parties
14. Grey lies
15. Government limitations
16. Dictatorship
17. Defamation of character

1. Social fragmentation through political pluralism
2. Regional imbalance of power
3. Antagonistic power blocs

1. Power
2. Independence
3. Dependence