Realpolitik
Realpolitik (
German:
real ("realistic", "practical" or "actual") and
Politik ("politics")) is a term used to describe politics based on strictly practical rather than idealistic notions, and practiced without any sentimental illusions.
The term was coined by
Ludwig Von Rochau, a German writer in the
19th century, following
Klemens Metternich's lead in finding ways to balance the power of European empires. Balancing power to keep the European
pentarchy was the means for keeping the peace, and careful realpolitik practitioners tried to avoid
arms races. However, during the early-
20th century, arms races and alliances occurred anyway, culminating in
World War I.
In Germany, the term
realpolitik is more often used to distinguish modest (realistic) politics from overzealeous (unrealistic) politics. Adherents are referred to as
Realos (realists), and opponents
Fundis (fundamentalists or ideologues). Prussia not demanding territory from defeated Austria provided the impetus for coining this term, as was the sometimes very slow or indirect steps towards German unification under Prussia. Realistic compromises are reached instead of clinging to values like justice or nationalism.
The policy of
realpolitik was formally introduced to the
Nixon White House by
Henry Kissinger. In this context, the policy meant dealing with other powerful nations in a practical manner rather than on the basis of political doctrine or ethics — for instance, Nixon's diplomacy with the
People's Republic of China, despite the U.S.'s opposition to
communism and the previous doctrine of
containment. Another example is Kissinger's 'green lighting' of dictator
Suharto's invasion of
East Timor. This is opposed to the ideology of
Nazi Germany's military domination, claiming mere expansion of German living spaces.
A foreign policy guided by
realpolitik, can also be described as a
realist foreign policy.
Realpolitik is related to realism and can be regarded as one of its foundations, as both implicate power politics.
Realpolitik however is a prescriptive guideline for policy making (like foreign policy), while realism is a
paradigm that includes a wide variety of theories that describe, explain and predict international relations.
Realpolitik also focuses on the balance of power among nation-states, which is also a central concern in realism. Both also imply operation according to the belief that politics is based on the pursuit, possession, and application of power.
*
Noopolitik*
Power politics*
Realism in international relations
