entryist

Entryism is a political tactic where members of a political group or party join a larger existing party with the intention of changing that party's policies or ideology from within. This strategy is typically employed by smaller, more radical groups seeking to influence or take over a larger, more moderate organization. The goal is to infiltrate the target organization and gradually shift its direction over time, often by occupying positions of influence or by increasing their numbers to a level where they can outvote or outmaneuver the existing membership.

Entryism can be employed by groups across the political spectrum. Historically, it has been associated with revolutionary socialist and communist movements aiming to capture established labor or social democratic parties. However, the tactic is not exclusive to the left; conservative or nationalist groups have also been known to practice entryism within larger political parties. The success of entryism depends on several factors, including the commitment and discipline of the entrants, the receptiveness of the host party to new ideas, and the ability of the entrants to avoid detection or alienating the existing membership prematurely. Critics often argue that entryism is deceptive and undermines the democratic processes of the targeted organization.