wedge politics

Definitions

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.

Equivalents

Examples

“It was an ugly example of wedge politics, the politics of division.”

“John Howard . . . has, quite superbly, controlled the political agenda by wedge politics—by dividing the electorate on some emotional issue⟳ and forcing the Opposition to side with the moral but unpopular position.”

“The quotes . . . are part of a Conservative divide-and-conquer strategy, said Liberal MP Anita Neville. "It's the worst kind of wedge politics—pitting one group against another: ‘We love⟳ you more than they love⟳ you,’" she said.”

CEFR level