realpolitik









realpolitik


noun

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

noun

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

1914, from German Realpolitik, which can be translated as “practical politics.” See real (adj.) + politics.

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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