Just Like That: The all powerful role of coteries
The article discusses the significant role of coteries in political power dynamics, often overshadowing formal institutions. Coteries operate through proximity and influence, shaping leaders' perceptions and decisions while remaining unaccountable. Historical examples illustrate how these groups can create echo chambers, isolating leaders from unfiltered opinions and reality.
- ▪Coteries act as shadow governments, influencing leaders without formal authority.
- ▪Historical figures like R. K. Dhawan and modern examples show how coteries can dominate political narratives.
- ▪Leaders often become isolated from reality due to the selective information provided by their close advisors.
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Just Like That: The all powerful role of coteriesHistory repeatedly shows us that between the supremo and the people there mostly arises another force: the coterie.Updated on: May 24, 2026 11:27 AM ISTBy Pavan K VarmaShare viaCopy link Power, in theory, is meant to reside in institutions. In democracies, it is vested in constitutions, cabinets, parliaments and elected leaders. But history repeatedly shows us that between the supremo and the people there mostly arises another force: the coterie. Invisible in formal charts of authority, unaccountable to public scrutiny, and operating through proximity rather than legitimacy, the coterie becomes the shadow government of regimes.
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