"The Gang of Four"

The "Gang of Four" refers to four Chinese political leaders—Jiang Qing, Zhang Chunqiao, Yao Wenyuan, and Wang Hongwen—who were closely associated with Mao Zedong and influential during the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976). They played a key role in promoting radical policies and ideological campaigns that aimed to reshape Chinese society. After Mao’s death, they were accused of political misconduct and served prison sentences. The term also broadly symbolizes a close-knit group wielding significant power, often associated with tumultuous or radical political movements.