(politics) A strategy or pattern of behavior by a politician, political party, or advocacy group which is intended to have a divisive effect on one's political opponents or on the electorate, especially by emphasizing an issue which polarizes opinion along racial, regional, or other demographic lines.

The gender-based motivations and behavioral tactics present in the interactions between men and women, especially as involving manipulation and rivalry for power.

(idiomatic) The relationships and interactions of top-level officials, advisors and other powerbrokers within a government, especially as involving internal rivalry and intrigue.

Excessively polite.

(dated) belles-lettres; light reading

(derogatory) A style of politics that evades rather than addresses problems; ostrichism.

Politics concerned with the survival of the state.

Politics concerned with the well-being of the citizens.

plural of body politic

(intransitive, idiomatic, derogatory) to act or say something according to political ambition, self-interest, and gamesmanship instead of moral conviction and altruism; to politick