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.
事大 is the root concept of 'serving the great', while 事大主義 is the ideology or attitude derived from it.
追従 is flattery or sycophancy in general, whereas 事大主義 specifically implies deference to power or might.
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.