realpolitik
C2Formal, Academic, Political, Journalistic
Definition
Meaning
Politics based on practical and material factors, rather than on ideological, moral, or ethical objectives.
A system of politics or principles based on practical rather than moral or ideological considerations; political pragmatism focused on power dynamics and national interest.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often used to describe a cynical or amoral approach to statecraft. The term implies a clear-eyed assessment of power and a willingness to compromise principles for tangible gain. It contrasts with idealism in foreign policy.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical in concept and frequency. It is a loanword from German used in political analysis in both contexts.
Connotations
In both varieties, the term carries connotations of pragmatic, sometimes ruthless, statecraft. It may be used critically to imply a lack of ethical scruple or admiringly to denote shrewdness.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in UK political discourse due to historical European diplomatic context, but a core term in US academic political science and foreign policy analysis.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] practices realpolitik[Subject] is a practitioner of realpolitik[Subject] is guided by realpolitikan exercise in realpolitikthe realpolitik of [situation]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The rough game of realpolitik”
- “A dose of realpolitik”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might be used metaphorically to describe ruthless corporate strategy.
Academic
Core term in Political Science, International Relations, and History, describing a specific school of thought.
Everyday
Very rare. Used only in discussions of high-level politics or historical analysis.
Technical
Precise term in political theory denoting policies focused on material power and national interest, as opposed to ideology.
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- The minister's approach was one of unvarnished realpolitik, prioritising trade deals over human rights concerns.
- Bismarck is considered the archetypal practitioner of realpolitik.
American English
- The administration's foreign policy was a stark lesson in realpolitik, aligning with dictators for strategic stability.
- Analysts argued that a shift from idealism to realpolitik was necessary.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The decision was based on realpolitik, not on moral principles.
- The chancellor's realpolitik during the crisis involved difficult alliances with unsavoury regimes.
- His memoir revealed the brutal realpolitik behind the diplomatic facade.
- The geopolitical landscape demanded a Machiavellian realpolitik that many found morally repugnant.
- Scholars debate whether the treaty was an act of visionary statecraft or mere short-sighted realpolitik.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: REAL POLITICS. It's about the real, practical factors in politics (power, resources), not ideals.
Conceptual Metaphor
POLITICS IS A GAME OF POWER (where the ends justify the means).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'реальная политика' which is a calque but lacks the specific historical and pragmatic/ruthless connotations. The term is used as-is in Russian political science.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'realpolitic' (missing 'k').
- Using it as a synonym for any 'realistic' policy, losing its specific connotation of amorality/power-focus.
- Incorrect stress in speech (e.g., on 'pol' instead of 'po' or 'li').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best exemplifies realpolitik?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily. While often associated with cynicism, proponents view it as clear-eyed and necessary for national survival in an anarchic international system. It is descriptively neutral but often used in a critical tone.
It is a German loanword (Realpolitik), first used in the mid-19th century by German political thinker Ludwig von Rochau, analysing the pragmatic politics following the failed revolutions of 1848.
Pragmatism is a broader philosophical approach testing theories by their practical consequences. Realpolitik is a specific political doctrine focused on state power, interests, and material factors, often implying a suspension of ethical norms.
Traditionally an international relations term, it is now sometimes applied domestically to describe power-based, non-ideological political maneuvering within a government or party.
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