The term "political commissar" refers to a person who is in charge of enforcing political discipline in a military unit or organization. The word is spelled /pəˈlɪtɪkəl kəˈmɪsər/, with stress on the second syllable of each word. The "s" in "commissar" is pronounced as "s" rather than "sh." The word "political" is spelled as expected, with stress on the first syllable. The phonetic transcription helps learners to accurately pronounce the word and understand its components.
A political commissar is an official appointed within a military or government organization to ensure the adherence to political loyalty and ideology. The term originated in the Soviet Union and has been subsequently adopted by other communist or socialist nations. This role became particularly prominent during the Russian Revolution and has since been employed in various military and political contexts.
Political commissars are responsible for monitoring and enforcing political discipline among the members of their respective organization. They serve as a link between the political authorities and the military, ensuring that political directives are carried out and that the organization remains loyal to the ruling party's ideology. This may involve monitoring the behavior, beliefs, and activities of individuals within the organization, and reporting any potential deviations or dissent to the relevant political authorities.
The political commissar plays a crucial role in shaping and maintaining the ideological coherence of their organization. They may provide political education and propaganda, disseminate party policies, and promote loyalty to the ruling party and its leadership. By closely monitoring the political inclinations of members, political commissars aim to prevent dissent, counter-revolutionary activities, or any ideological challenges that could undermine the established political order.
While political commissars typically operate within the military spheres, their position can also extend to various sectors of government, ensuring political conformity and loyalty in civilian organizations. This term is often used in contexts such as the Chinese People's Liberation Army or the former Soviet Union, and it signifies the integral role of political control and ideological cohesion within military and administrative structures.
The term "political commissar" originated in the Soviet Union and is a combination of two separate words.
1. Political: The word "political" comes from the Latin word "politicus" which means "of or pertaining to government or the state". It further comes from the Greek word "politikos" meaning "of citizens or the state" which is derived from "polis" meaning "city-state". Over time, the term came to refer to matters related to government, administration, or public affairs.
2. Commissar: The word "commissar" is derived from the French word "commissaire", which means "commissioner" or "deputy". The term is ultimately derived from the Latin word "commissarius", meaning "one to whom a charge or commission is entrusted".