opportunisme

Opportunisme, or opportunism, is the practice of pursuing immediate opportunities for gain, often with limited regard for consistency of beliefs, long-term commitments, or ethical norms. The term derives from the French opportunisme and the Latin opportunus, meaning favorable or timely, and is used across politics, economics, and sociology to describe a flexible, self-serving approach to circumstances.

In politics, opportunism refers to adjusting positions, alliances, or loyalties to maximize power or advantage, sometimes abandoning previously held principles. It is frequently criticized as a betrayal of voters or constituents, though some observers view it as pragmatic adaptation in volatile environments.

In economics and business, opportunistic behavior involves exploiting information asymmetries, incomplete contracts, or changing circumstances to extract private benefits. Examples include renegotiating terms after outcomes are known, exploiting loopholes, or acting strategically to limit others’ options. Such behavior can undermine trust, efficiency, and long-term relationships, and is often addressed through governance mechanisms and contract design.

In ethics and sociology, opportunism is discussed as a spectrum: from pragmatic, context-sensitive adaptation that yields positive results to cynical exploitation that undermines social norms. Some frameworks distinguish constructive opportunism, which uses timing and flexibility for beneficial outcomes, from destructive opportunism, which prioritizes self-interest at others’ expense.

Across disciplines, opportunism remains a contested concept, reflecting tensions between adaptability and principled conduct in dynamic social, political, and economic environments.