Political opportunism refers to the attempt to maintain political support, or to increase political influence - possibly in a way which disregards relevant ethical or political principles.
History
The political philosophy of Niccolò Machiavelli as described in The Prince is often regarded as a classic manual of opportunist scheming, and indeed a Machiavellian is nowadays defined as "a cunning, amoral, and opportunist person, especially a politician".
Definition
Political opportunism is interpreted in different ways, but usually refers to one or more of the following:
a political style of aiming to increase one's political influence at any price, or a political style that involves seizing every and any opportunity to extend political influence, whenever such opportunities arise. the practice of abandoning or compromising in reality some important political principles that were previously held, in the process of trying to increase one's political power and influence. a trend of thought, or a political tendency, seeking to make political capital out of situations with the main aim being that of gaining more influence, prestige or support, instead of truly winning people over to a principled position or improving their political understanding. believing that you must know the mind of the ruler or political opponent to know what will occur. Knowing their wants, their intents, which way their mind is turning, which way they will head or where they are drawing back from of the figure in question will explain what will occur. This has explanatory value in the goings on of and of the combining of alliances, making of pacts and signing of agreements for a cause. a political leader may have the greatest army but without support of the people in the country or province they are invading, they will not have a victory. Victory must be achieved by winning the favor of the people. it is easy to get excited about the possibilities of the future but the main priority should be to make decisions based on the reality, about what is happening currently and keeping a close eye on the facts. If today is not managed well, our dreams, visions and thoughts about the future will become stifled. When one does not commit to what is done but instead treats what ought to be done as ones own course, then one sooner brings one's own ruin rather than preservation. indulge the weaker powers in a way that does not invite them power in your own land, do not allow foreign powers to gain a reputation or have authority in owns land. One may give people status, benefits, security, safety or wealth but let those of a lower standing earn their own power. Increasing your power in turn enfeebles others of a lesser standing, conversely increasing somebody else's power if they are of lesser standing enfeebles yourself because they can turn on you. Appeasing others to avoid conflict elevates their position which is disadvantageous for a ruler to do. Making alliances too strong may turn on you. don't settle on merely undermining ones enemies, one must try to oppose them where necessary, that way we can vanquish the other side instead of merely attempting to make them look bad. Treat people well or side against them, anything in between could create a formidable enemy. Renewing wounds or slights every day won't keep mens mind at rest and bring them over to your side when it's time to start giving out the benefits. people do not criticize a success story or successful leader, any means of acquiring success heaps praise upon one, but failure to do so gets blame and criticism by the press and people, that is fully deserved because it's more interesting to all people. One must strive to become a leader, get arms and be less dependent on others to be well renowned in state craft and one must acquire when one can.
Typically, opportunist political behavior is criticized for being short-sighted or narrow-minded. That is, in the urge to make short-term political gains or preserve them, the appropriate relationship between the means being used and the overall goals being aimed for is overlooked. The result might well be, that "short term gain" leads to "long term pain". Thus, after opportunist mistakes have been made and recognized, a lot of soul searching may occur, or "a return to principles" may be advocated, so that the proper relationship between people's principles and their actions is restored.