clique, lineage, pedigree, faction, clan

政治の世界では派閥の力が強い影響を持つ。

Factions have strong influence in the political world.

財閥は日本経済の発展に重要な役割を果たした。

Zaibatsu played an important role in Japan's economic development.

彼は有力な閥に属しているため、出世が早い。

Because he belongs to a powerful faction, his career advancement is rapid.