power struggle
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power struggle
A dispute or conflict between people or groups in which the goal is to gain or defend influence, control, or a dominant position.
Innerhalb der Partei entbrannte ein offener Machtkampf um den Vorsitz.
An open power struggle for the leadership broke out within the party.
The word is a clear compound of 'die Macht' (power) and 'der Kampf' (fight/struggle). So it literally describes a fight for power, which makes the meaning very transparent.
In der Firma gab es einen Machtkampf um die Führungsposition.
There was a power struggle in the company over the leadership position.
'Machtkampf' (power struggle) is often combined with certain verbs that describe the conflict. Common phrases are 'ein Machtkampf entbrennt' (a power struggle breaks out), 'sich einen Machtkampf liefern' (to engage in a power struggle), or 'einen Machtkampf austragen' (to fight out a power struggle).
Die beiden Politiker lieferten sich einen erbitterten Machtkampf.
The two politicians engaged in a bitter power struggle.
To name the participants and the goal of the conflict, the prepositions 'zwischen' (between) and 'um' (for/over) are often used. You speak of a Machtkampf 'zwischen' people or groups 'um' a position or resource.
Es gab einen Machtkampf zwischen den Abteilungen um das neue Budget.
There was a power struggle between the departments over the new budget.
