noun
political maneuvering; currying political favor; buying political influence
Refers to behind-the-scenes activities aimed at gaining political advantage, often with a negative connotation of manipulation or lobbying.
彼は政界工作に長けている。
He is skilled at political maneuvering.
そのスキャンダルは政界工作の一環だった。
The scandal was part of a political influence operation.
Similar in meaning, but 政治工作 is broader, referring to political operations in general, while 政界工作 specifically implies maneuvering within the political world or establishment.
Compound of 政界 (political world) and 工作 (work, maneuvering). The term likely emerged in modern Japanese to describe political lobbying and influence-peddling.