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

In the end, realpolitik triumphed, with Kenya not prepared to jeopardise its closer ties with Turkey, which saw the two countries sign a military co-operation agreement in July.

From BBC

But here's one thing I do know: Don't count on the confident pronouncements of supposedly hardheaded insiders whose Realpolitik bibles have been through the washing machine too many times.

From Salon

That’s the realpolitik that Bonta shouldn’t ignore, because it’s long happened in L.A. and is playing out this November in the San Fernando Valley.

From Los Angeles Times

The raw realpolitik of U.S. military bases, multinational corporations, CIA coups and foreign military interventions has been balanced, even softened, by a surprisingly liberal world order — with sovereign states meeting as equals at the United Nations, an international rule of law that muted armed conflict, a World Health Organization that actually eradicated epidemic diseases which had plagued humanity for generations, and a developmental effort led by the World Bank that lifted 40% of humanity out of poverty.

From Salon

By shedding current ideals of human rights and the rule of law, such a future world order would likely be governed by the raw realpolitik of commercial advantage and national self-interest.

From Salon

Related Words

• civics