metapolitics: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low / SpecialisedFormal, Academic, Philosophical, Specialised
Quick answer
What does “metapolitics” mean?
A theoretical field of study concerned with the fundamental principles, assumptions, and underlying structures of political thought and discourse, rather than with specific policies or day-to-day politics.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A theoretical field of study concerned with the fundamental principles, assumptions, and underlying structures of political thought and discourse, rather than with specific policies or day-to-day politics.
The study of the philosophical, cultural, and psychological preconditions for political ideologies and movements. It can also refer to a strategic, long-term approach focused on changing the underlying cultural and intellectual landscape to enable future political change.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in definition. The term is equally rare and academic in both varieties. It may have a slightly higher profile in certain American online ideological circles due to specific adoptions.
Connotations
In mainstream academia, neutral. In specific online subcultures, it may carry connotations of right-wing or identitarian cultural strategy.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general discourse. Almost exclusively used in political philosophy, critical theory, and by specific ideological groups.
Grammar
How to Use “metapolitics” in a Sentence
[Subject] engages in metapolitics.The [analysis/strategy] operates at a metapolitical level.A metapolitical [approach/framework].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “metapolitics” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They sought to metapoliticise the cultural debate, shifting focus from policies to underlying worldviews.
American English
- The movement's goal is to metapoliticize the discussion, focusing on long-term cultural change.
adverb
British English
- He argued metapolitically, addressing the philosophical presuppositions rather than the policy details.
American English
- The group thinks metapolitically, planning for change on a generational scale.
adjective
British English
- His metapolitical framework analysed the unconscious biases within liberal discourse.
American English
- Their metapolitical strategy prioritizes influencing academia and media over elections.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in political theory, philosophy, and cultural studies departments to discuss foundational assumptions of political ideologies.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would likely cause confusion.
Technical
Used as a specific term of art in political philosophy and by certain ideological movements to describe cultural/intellectual strategy.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “metapolitics”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “metapolitics”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “metapolitics”
- Using it as a synonym for 'big politics' or 'international politics'.
- Confusing it with 'metaphysics'.
- Using it in everyday contexts where 'political theory' would be sufficient and clearer.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are closely related and overlap significantly. Metapolitics is often a subset or a specific approach within political theory, focusing more intensely on the deepest, often philosophical or cultural, foundations and preconditions for political thinking.
Primarily academic political philosophers (e.g., Alain Badiou, Jacques Rancière) and thinkers in critical theory. It has also been adopted by some contemporary ideological movements, particularly of the 'identitarian' or 'New Right' variety, to describe their focus on cultural struggle.
Instead of asking 'Should taxes be higher or lower?' (a political question), a metapolitical question would be: 'What underlying concepts of justice, property, and community make us frame the debate about society in terms of taxes in the first place?'
Its practitioners argue it is profoundly practical in the long term, as it seeks to change the intellectual and cultural 'soil' from which specific policies grow. However, it is not directly concerned with short-term, practical policy-making or electioneering.
Metapolitics is usually formal, academic, philosophical, specialised in register.
Metapolitics: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmetəˈpɒlɪtɪks/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmetəˈpɑːlɪtɪks/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[To] operate on the metapolitical plane.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think META-POLITICS. 'Meta' means 'beyond' or 'about itself'. So it's the study BEYOND regular politics, the politics ABOUT politics itself.
Conceptual Metaphor
POLITICS AS A BUILDING (metapolitics is the architectural blueprint or foundation), POLITICS AS A GAME (metapolitics is the theory of the game's rules, not playing a single move).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the best description of 'metapolitics'?