politics

politics
pol‧i‧tics S2 W2 /ˈpɒlətɪks, ˈpɒlɪtɪks $ ˈpɑː-/ noun1. [U also + plural verb British English] ideas and activities relating to gaining and using power in a country, city etc ⇨ political, politician:
    a good understanding of politics in China
    modern American politics
    Politics have always interested Anita.
    national/local etc politics
    Brooke’s been involved in city politics since college.
    The president should stand above party politics (=working only for your political party).
2. [uncountable] the profession of being a politician:
    Flynn retired from politics in 1986.
    Her father’s trying to enter politics.
    Smith went into politics in his early twenties.
3. [plural] the activities of people who are concerned with gaining personal advantage within a group, organization etc:
    I’m tired of dealing with all of the office politics.
    Her art examines sexual politics (=how power is shared between men and women).
    politics of
    the politics of race and class at American universities
4. [plural] someone’s political beliefs and opinions:
    I assume her politics must be fairly conservative.
5. [uncountable] especially British English the study of political power and systems of government
   SYN  political science:
    Tom is studying for a degree in politics.
     

COLLOCATIONS

■ ADJECTIVES/NOUN + politics
   ▪ national politics Mark had always been keen to have a career in national politics.
   ▪ local politics Ann is very active in local politics.
   ▪ international politics The two superpowers that dominated international politics.
   ▪ world/global politics There was much going on in world politics at the time.
   ▪ domestic politics (=within a country) The war had a major impact on the country’s domestic politics.
   ▪ party politics (=trying to make your party successful) He believes that party politics has no place in local government.
   ▪ power politics (=attempting to get power by using or threatening to use force) The party argued that power politics would always lead to war.
■ phrases
   ▪ be involved in politics After university, he became involved in local politics.
   ▪ take part in politics Young people should be encouraged to take part in politics.
   ▪ be active in politics (=be involved in) I was very active in politics before I retired.
   ▪ interfere/meddle in politics He warned the army against interfering in politics.
     

THESAURUS

   ▪ right-wing adjective a right-wing person or group wants low taxes, a strong army and police force, and the individual to be free from government interference as much as possible: right-wing political parties | Some of his supporters are very right-wing. | right-wing policies on gun control
   ▪ left-wing adjective a left-wing person or group wants the government to make society more equal by increasing taxes for rich people, and taking control of important industries and services: a left-wing newspaper | His views are very left-wing.
   ▪ green adjective [usually before noun] supporting policies and principles which will protect the environment: green politicians | the Green Party | The government is under pressure to improve its green credentials (=to seem more like it wants to protect the environment).
   ▪ radical adjective supporting political ideas that will involve great change: radical politicians | a radical economic reform programme
   ▪ liberal adjective supporting political ideas that will allow people to have greater freedom: They want the government to have a more liberal policy on drugs.
   ▪ moderate adjective having political opinions which are not extreme: People generally become more moderate as they get older. | The bill is supported by moderate Republicans.
   ▪ extreme adjective having political opinions which are considered to be very unreasonable by many people: His views on immigration are very extreme. | an extreme right-wing organization