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political theory

American  
[puh-lit-ik-uhl theer-ee] / pəˈlɪt ɪk əl ˈθɪər i /

noun

  • political theories
    plural
  1. any theory concerning how political power is acquired and used in government, either generally or within a particular ideology.

  2. the branch of political science dealing with such theories.


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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.

See Examples For:

Trump also responded to a comment by Xi referring to the "Thucydides Trap," a political theory that war becomes more likely when a rising new power competes with an established great power.

From Barron's ● May 14, 2026

This is the sort of observation that makes Ms. Ypi, a professor of political theory at the London School of Economics, unpopular with many present-day Albanians.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 30, 2025

I base this not on any grand political theory but on how many times I stood next to members of Congress at urinals at DCA during my years living in D.C.

From Slate ● Nov. 7, 2025

Weinstein also holds a doctorate in government from Harvard University and has taught political theory at Georgetown University and Claremont McKenna College.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 8, 2025

He is known as the founder of the political theory called Socialism, and on account of that he came in conflict with several governments, and he sought refuge in England.

From Some Jewish Witnesses For Christ by B.D.

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