nomenklatura

/ˌnoʊmənkləˈtʊrə/
noun
  1. A group of powerful people in a country or organization who hold important positions, especially in a political system.
    • The country's nomenklatura controlled all major government and business decisions.
    • The nomenklatura enjoyed special privileges like better housing and access to imported goods.
    • Many young professionals hoped to join the nomenklatura by working their way up through the party.
  2. In the former Soviet Union, the official list of key government and party positions, and the people appointed to them.
    • Historians study the nomenklatura to understand how power was distributed in the USSR.
    • Being on the nomenklatura meant you had a secure career and influence over policy.
    • Under the Soviet system, the nomenklatura determined who could hold high-ranking jobs.
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