Entrists

Entrism is a tactic employed by political organizations, often within a broader movement or larger party, to influence its direction and ideology from within. The term originates from the French word "entrisme," meaning "entryism." Adherents of an entrist strategy aim to gain positions of influence, often by joining as ordinary members, and then work to promote their own political program or disrupt the existing leadership and policies.

This tactic is most commonly associated with revolutionary Marxist groups, particularly Trotskyist organizations, who have historically sought to infiltrate larger socialist or social democratic parties. The goal is to either transform the larger party into a revolutionary force or to split off a significant portion of its membership to form a new revolutionary party. Entrism can be open, where the organization openly declares its strategy, or clandestine, where its members operate discreetly.

Critics often argue that entrism is undemocratic, manipulative, and can lead to factionalism and internal conflict within the targeted organization. Proponents, however, maintain that it is a necessary strategy in situations where revolutionary organizations are too small to gain traction independently, and that it allows them to reach and influence a wider working-class audience. The effectiveness and ethical implications of entrism remain subjects of ongoing debate within political theory and practice.