Realpolitic Defined

 

Realpolitik is a system of politics or diplomacy based on practical and material factors rather than on theoretical, moral, or ethical premises. It prioritizes a nation's self-interest—such as security, power, and economic gain—above all other considerations. 

Key Characteristics

• Pragmatism over Ideology: Decisions are made based on the current situation and what is realistically achievable, often requiring compromises on core values.
• National Interest: The primary goal is to ensure the survival and strength of the state, even if it means cooperating with regimes that have conflicting morals.
• Balance of Power: It focuses on managing the distribution of power among nations to prevent any single entity from becoming too dominant.
• Flexibility: Alliances and policies are viewed as fluid, shifting as global or local circumstances change. 

Historical and Modern Examples

• Otto von Bismarck: The 19th-century German Chancellor who used Realpolitik to unify Germany. For instance, after defeating Austria in 1866, he chose not to demand territory to ensure they could be a future ally.
• Richard Nixon & Henry Kissinger: During the Cold War, the U.S. pursued rapprochement with Communist China in the 1970s to counter the Soviet Union, despite strong domestic anti-communist sentiment.
• Modern Statecraft: Contemporary relations where strategic interests (like oil or regional stability) outweigh human rights concerns are often cited as Realpolitik in action. 

Origins

The term was coined by German writer and politician Ludwig von Rochau in 1853. He argued that to achieve liberal, enlightened goals, one must understand and navigate the actual "laws of power" that govern the world.