noun
1Chiefly in the phraseology of communism and socialism: advocacy of imperialist foreign policy while claiming to support socialism.
2 historical Specifically. Socialist policies used to disguise imperialist ambitions.
Especially used in discussions of Sino-Soviet relations.
3Politics
A combination of an imperialist foreign policy and programmes of social reform, frequently introduced in order to quell internal social upheaval.
Origin
Early 20th century; earliest use found in Communist. From social + imperialism.
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