Definitions

1. noun

The act of taking control of an organization or group by gradually replacing its existing leadership or membership with one’s own supporters, often through manipulation or coercion.

“The opposition party accused the ruling party of cooptation, saying that they were trying to undermine the independence of the civil service.”

2. noun

The act of recruiting or assimilating individuals into a group or organization, often through bribery or other forms of inducement.

“The company was accused of cooptation after it was discovered that they had been paying off local officials to secure lucrative contracts.”