realpolitik

or Re·al·po·li·tik

[ rey-ahl-poh-li-teek, ree- ]

/ reɪˈɑlˌpoʊ lɪˌtik, ri- /

SEE SYNONYMS FOR realpolitik ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

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

Origin of realpolitik

1910–15; < German, equivalent to real real¹ + Politik politics, policy; see politic

OTHER WORDS FROM realpolitik

re·al·po·li·tik·er

[rey-ahl-poh-lee-ti-ker, ree-] /reɪˈɑl poʊˌli tɪ kər, ri-/, noun

Words nearby realpolitik

realization, realize, reallocate, really, realm, realpolitik, realtor, realty, ream, reamer, rean

Example sentences from the Web for realpolitik

The rhetoric has been harsh, but given the realpolitik of East African foreign policy, the actions have been decidedly mixed.

The Uganda Ruling is Good For Everyone But Gays |Jay Michaelson |August 1, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
And these odds were often set by realpolitik, rather than a moral compass.

Mandela: The Last Good Man |Mark Gevisser |December 5, 2013 |DAILY BEAST
Is it the realpolitik that in this era of uncertainty works to build alliances with friends rather than burning them on every end?

Daniel Gordis Has It Backwards |Mark Baker |December 11, 2012 |DAILY BEAST
Trying to build a one-state reality in the name of “inalienable rights and realpolitik” is treacherously dishonest.

Another Reason Dani Dayan is Wrong |Elisheva Goldberg, Sahar Segal |August 3, 2012 |DAILY BEAST

Once in power ideological purity does have to make some room for realpolitik, but realpolitik is not moderation.

When Will They Ever Learn? |Yehudah Mirsky |June 25, 2012 |DAILY BEAST
This, of course, does not tend to enhance the realpolitik instincts of the nation.

After the Rain |Sam Vaknin
The Hohenzollerns were supposed to be the unsurpassed practitioners of Realpolitik.

German Problems and Personalities |Charles Sarolea
Napoleon's speech about English "Realpolitik" would prove an unprecedented success.

New York Times Current History; The European War, Vol 2, No. 3, June, 1915 |Various
As it was, Realpolitik counselled prudence, and the observance of the forms of Christianity.

The Development of the European Nations, 1870-1914 (5th ed.) |John Holland Rose
In the second half of the nineteenth century Macchiavellism received the name of practical policy (Realpolitik).

Morals and the Evolution of Man |Max Simon Nordau

British Dictionary definitions for realpolitik

realpolitik

/ (reɪˈɑːlpɒlɪˈtiːk) /

noun

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

Word Origin for realpolitik

C19: German: politics of realism

Cultural definitions for realpolitik

realpolitik

[ (ray-ahl-poh-li-teek) ]

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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Learning

realpolitik

or Re·al·po·li·tik

noun

Origin of realpolitik

OTHER WORDS FROM realpolitik

Words nearby realpolitik

Example sentences from the Web for realpolitik

British Dictionary definitions for realpolitik

noun

Word Origin for realpolitik

Cultural definitions for realpolitik

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Learning

realpolitik

or Re·al·po·li·tik

noun

Origin of realpolitik

OTHER WORDS FROM realpolitik

Words nearby realpolitik

Words related to realpolitik

Example sentences from the Web for realpolitik

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noun

Word Origin for realpolitik

Cultural definitions for realpolitik

British Dictionary definitions for realpolitik