realpolitik

or Re·al·po·li·tik

[ rey-ahl-poh-li-teek, ree- ]

noun

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

realpolitik

/ reɪˈɑːlpɒlɪˈtiːk /

noun

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

realpolitik

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.

Other Words From

• re·al·po·li·tik·er [rey-, ahl, -poh-lee-ti-ker, ree-], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of realpolitik¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of realpolitik¹

C19: German: politics of realism

Example Sentences

Since then, Russia has resorted to realpolitik to cover up the purely ideological motivation of its actions.

From Time

Now is the right time for a combination of interest and justice, values ​​and realpolitik.

From Time

Some of the darkest days of the Cold War—governed by realpolitik calculations of power—were also suffused with human rights concerns at the highest official levels.

From Time

The rhetoric has been harsh, but given the realpolitik of East African foreign policy, the actions have been decidedly mixed.

From The Daily Beast

Murder could now be weighed as a necessary price to pay for realpolitik.

From The Daily Beast

And these odds were often set by realpolitik, rather than a moral compass.

From The Daily Beast

For more almost two hours, the conversation moved back and forth between liberal idealism and populist realpolitik.

From The Daily Beast

If there is a theme that runs through Hagel's syllabus choices, it's a pretty realpolitik one.

From The Daily Beast

Having turned the neutral world into enemies, Realpolitik was now ready to turn Germany's allies into neutrals.

From Project Gutenberg

In the second half of the nineteenth century Macchiavellism received the name of practical policy (Realpolitik).

From Project Gutenberg

This, of course, does not tend to enhance the realpolitik instincts of the nation.

From Project Gutenberg

He little knew, poor man, how much he was flattering our capacity for Realpolitik!

From Project Gutenberg

As it was, Realpolitik counselled prudence, and the observance of the forms of Christianity.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• civics