ClimateJuly 17, 2026
pandering
/ˈpændərɪŋ/
Definition
The act of catering to the desires, prejudices, or interests of a specific group to gain political or financial advantage, often at the expense of one's own principles.
Etymology
Derived from the character 'Pandarus' in Shakespeare's 'Troilus and Cressida,' who acted as a go-between in a romance. By the early 20th century, the term evolved to describe anyone who cynically exploits or accommodates the base desires of others.
In the news
The article uses 'pandering' to suggest that EU leadership is gutting climate regulations to appease corporate interests and foreign political pressure rather than adhering to their original environmental goals.
Faced with US hostility, EU hits the brakes on its climate plans
Read the full article ↗Gulf Stream Blues