iron triangles

Noun

iron triangle (plural iron triangles)

1. (US) The policy-making relationship among the congressional committees, the bureaucracy (executive, sometimes called “government agencies”), and interest groups or lobbyists.
   • Over the years the defense industry has become a de facto participant in the policy-making process. As in other areas dominated by powerful corporate interests, a policy sub-government or “iron triangle” has emerged. […] The creation of an “iron triangle” takes time and active efforts of its...1981, Gordon Adams, The Iron Triangle: The Politics of Defense Contracting, New York: The Council on Economic Priorities, →ISBN, pages 24–25
2. (broadly) Any self-reinforcing power structure, whether intentional or accidental, formal or informal.
   • Together, agribusiness, shipping companies and NGOs form what some have called the “iron triangle” of special interests, blocking reform of the controversial in-kind system.2012 July 19, Claire Provost, “US food aid: the special interests blocking reform”, in The Guardian

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