definition of realpolitik by The Free Dictionary

title

re·al·po·li·tik

(rā-äl′pō′lĭ-tēk′)n.

A usually expansionist national policy having as its sole principle advancement of the national interest.

[German : real, practical (from Late Latin reālis, real; see real1) + Politik, politics (from French politique, political, policy; see politic).]

re·al′po′li·tik′er n.

realpolitik

(reɪˈɑːlpɒlɪˈtiːk) n

(Government, Politics & Diplomacy) a ruthlessly realistic and opportunist approach to statesmanship, rather than a moralistic one, esp as exemplified by Bismarck

[C19: German: politics of realism]

re•al•po•li•tik

(reɪˈɑlˌpoʊ lɪˌtik, ri-)

n.

(often cap.) political realism or practical politics, esp. policy based on power rather than ideals.

[1910–15; < German, =

real real1

+

Politik

politics, policy; see

politic

]

realpolitik

realism in politics, especially policies or actions based on considerations of power rather than ideals.

See also: Politics

realpolitik

1. A German word meaning politics of realism, used to mean a cynical policy of pursuing a state’s own interests.

2. An approach to politics that is not idealistic but ruthlessly opportunistic, especially in advancing the interests of a country.

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