Contextual explanation: Secretive alliance for covert influence. 
Cabal is best understood as a collective entity—a group of individuals who collaborate covertly to influence decisions and outcomes, often operating through hidden agendas, exclusive alliances, and coordinated strategies. Their actions are typically concealed from outsiders, with the group's existence or intentions remaining undisclosed to those not involved.

Themes: Power dynamics and secrecy. 
Cabal is closely tied to the theme of power dynamics, as such groups seek to exert influence or control over decisions, organisations, or societies from behind the scenes. Secrecy is a defining aspect, as the effectiveness of a cabal relies on its ability to operate undetected, leveraging confidential information and exclusive networks.

Nuance: Covert coordination. 
What distinguishes a cabal within its category is the deliberate and organised nature of its covert collaboration. Unlike open collectives or alliances, a cabal is marked by its hidden membership, secretive operations, and unified pursuit of specific, often self-serving, objectives through behind-the-scenes manoeuvring.