Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

nomenklatura

noun

/ˌnoʊ.men.kəˈlʊ.tər.ə/

Definition

A system of private and public appointments in the Soviet Union where key positions are filled by members of the Communist Party.

Examples

The nomenklatura controlled major sectors of the economy, making decisions that influenced the lives of millions.
In post-Soviet states, remnants of the nomenklatura still hold influence over political and social structures.

Meaning

In a broader sense, nomenklatura refers to a privileged class of political or bureaucratic elites who control significant positions in government and organizations, often without a democratic process.