Definition

Noun: 1. The system of patronage in communist countries; controlled by committees in the Communist Party: A term for the elite class or the list of key positions in a communist state, filled by direct appointment from the ruling party. It refers to the practice where important jobs in government, industry, and culture are given to people approved by and loyal to the party leadership.

Usage

The term is used to describe the structure of power and privilege in single-party states, particularly historical and contemporary communist systems. * It functions as a collective noun (e.g., the nomenklatura). * It often carries a critical connotation, implying an unaccountable, self-serving ruling class.

Examples

• As a subject:
• As an object:
• With a possessive:

Advanced Usage

• "Nomenklatura capitalism": A term used by political scientists and economists to describe a system where former members of the communist nomenklatura use their political connections to acquire state assets and become the new business oligarchs after the fall of a communist regime.

Variants and Related Words

• Nomenklaturist (noun, rare): A member of the nomenklatura.
• Apparatchik (noun): A derogatory term for a loyal, low- to mid-level official in a political party, especially a communist one. While related, an is often a functionary, whereas a member of the holds a high, appointed position.

Synonyms

• Party elite
• Ruling class (in the context of communist states)
• Nomenclature (in this specific, political sense)

Notes on Different Meanings

• "Nomenclature" in general English refers to a system of names or terms used in a particular field (e.g., scientific nomenclature). "Nomenklatura" is a specialized political term derived from the Russian word for "nomenclature," referring specifically to the list of key posts. The two words are distinct in modern usage.

Noun

1. the system of patronage in communist countries; controlled by committees in the Communist Party