realpolitik

American  

[rey-ahl-poh-li-teek, ree-] / reɪˈɑlˌpoʊ lɪˌtik, ri- /

Or Realpolitik

noun

1. political realism or practical politics, especially policy based on power rather than on ideals.

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realpolitik British  

/ reɪˈɑːlpɒlɪˈtiːk /

noun

1. a ruthlessly realistic and opportunist approach to statesmanship, rather than a moralistic one, esp as exemplified by Bismarck

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realpolitik Cultural  

1. Governmental policies based on hard, practical considerations rather than on moral or idealistic concerns. Realpolitik is German for “the politics of reality” and is often applied to the policies of nations that consider only their own interests in dealing with other countries.

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Other Word Forms

• realpolitiker
  noun

Etymology

Origin of realpolitik

First recorded in 1910–15; from German, equivalent to real real ¹ + Politik “politics, policy”; see politic

Explanation

Realpolitik is a political system that's not based on beliefs, doctrines, ethics, or morals, but rather on realistic, practical ideas. Richard Nixon's diplomacy with China in the 1970's was an example of realpolitik. Realpolitik is put into practice when governments deal in straightforward, goal-oriented ways with other governments. Nixon's conversations with the communist Chinese government are such a good example of realpolitik because he felt diplomacy was important despite Americans' distrust of communism. The word realpolitik, coined in 1914, comes directly from German, in which it literally means "practical politics."

Example Sentences

Realpolitik and self-interest may also be at play.

From Salon • Jan. 25, 2024

But after she left, the tapes revealed a darker Realpolitik.

From BBC • Nov. 29, 2023

So was, to this day, the whole philosophy of Realpolitik.

From Slate • May 27, 2023

“If Europe does not want to make itself weaker than it already is, then it must let European Realpolitik prevail,” Beyer said.

From Reuters • Jul. 8, 2019

Rochau's Realpolitik was a treatise in two volumes written to prove "dass der Staat durch seine Selbsterhaltung das oberste Gebot der Sittlichkeit erfüllt."

From The History of Freedom by Acton, John Emerich Edward Dalberg Acton, Baron

Related Words

• civics