What does politburo mean?
A politburo is a high-level committee that directs the policy and leadership of a political party, particularly a communist party. Its name literally means “Political Bureau,” and it developed as a term for the compact governing bodies found in Soviet, Chinese, and other communist political organizations. Such a body generally establishes broad strategic direction, endorses major appointments, and coordinates the party’s senior leadership. Its precise powers vary by organization and historical period, so the word does not automatically mean either a cabinet or a legislature. In modern news reporting, “the Politburo” most often refers to the senior leadership committee of the Chinese Communist Party, while other uses tend to be historical or refer to comparable bodies elsewhere. The word is useful because it identifies a specific form of political organization rather than a vague group of politicians. It also commonly conveys the concentration of authority associated with party-state systems, making it significant in the study of comparative politics and international affairs.
nounA politburo is the principal committee of a political party, especially a communist party, responsible for determining its broad policy and leadership. The term is also used for a similar high-level governing body within a state or other large organization.
- The principal committee of a political party, especially a communist party, charged with setting policy and directing the party.
"The party’s politburo approved the proposal before it was presented to the wider membership."
"Members of the politburo met privately to discuss the leadership of the organization."
"The Chinese Politburo announced several senior appointments during its customary autumn meeting."
The regular plural is politburos. Politburoes is not standard.
"The two politburos issued separate statements after the summit."
It sounds like an office, but a politburo is a political brain trust: a small committee whose decisions can shape an entire party or country.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of politburo
English borrowed politburo from Russian politburo (Политбюро), a shortened form of politicheskoe byuro, meaning “Political Bureau.” Politicheskoe belongs to the same Greek-based family represented in English by politics, political, and politician, while byuro was borrowed into Russian from French bureau. The English word became established in political reporting, particularly for the governing committees of communist parties.
How politburo is actually used
This is a formal political and historical term. It often carries connotations of centralized or authoritarian power, particularly when referring to communist-party leadership, although those connotations do not describe every instance. The name is commonly capitalized when it refers to a formally named institution, such as the Chinese Politburo.
Easily confused with politburo
A bureau is an administrative department or office, whereas a politburo is a political leadership committee with authority over party or state policy.