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Kremlinology

American  
[krem-li-nol-uh-jee] / ˌkrɛm lɪˈnɒl ə dʒi /

noun

  1. the study of the government of the former Soviet Union, especially the study of those factors governing its foreign affairs.


Kremlinology British  
/ ˌkrɛmlɪnˈɒlədʒɪ /

noun

  1. (formerly) the study and analysis of the policies and practices of the Soviet government

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • Kremlinologist noun

Etymology

Origin of Kremlinology

First recorded in 1955–60; Kremlin + -o- + -logy

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“Pekingology,” as this Chinese analog of Kremlinology is known, often involves poring over official speeches, documents and state-media coverage in a bid to divine insights from language, behavior and deviations from the norm.

From The Wall Street Journal

Theories on why he shifted position are American Kremlinology, but matter to investors.

From The Wall Street Journal

Cleverly admitted the result was a "bit of a punch to the gut" as he had repeatedly warned his backers that "Kremlinology is a fool's game" - but supporters kept asking who he would prefer to go up against.

From BBC

Western spy agencies make it their business to study the Saudi equivalent of Kremlinology – working out who will be the next king.

From BBC

And yes, government organogram Kremlinology and what it means is a rather niche pursuit.

From BBC