An <answer>unholy alliance</answer> is a coalition among seemingly antagonistic groups for ad hoc or hidden gain, generally some influential non-governmental group forming ties with political parties, supplying funding in exchange for the favorable treatment. Like patronage, <answer>unholy alliance</answer>s are not necessarily illegal, but unlike patronage, by its deceptive nature and often great financial resources, an <answer>unholy alliance</answer> can be much more dangerous to the public interest. An early use of the term was by former US President Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt:
When groups that are antagonistic to each other form a coalition for hidden gain, it is called what?
unholy alliance