worship of the powerful; toadying to the strong
Refers to the attitude of flattering or subserviently following those with greater power, often used in political or historical contexts. The term originates from the Chinese concept of 'serving the great' (事大).
A small country following a big power is an example of worship of the powerful.
His foreign policy was criticized as being subservient to the powerful.
Formed from 事大, the classical Chinese expression “serve the great,” and 主義 “doctrine.” It refers to deference toward a stronger state or powerful party.