realpolitik JUST WRITTEN FOR YOU
/ɹeɪˈɑːlpɒlɪˌtiːk/ · re·al·pol·i·tik
noun
- Pragmatic government policy concerned with perceived interests of the state. The prime minister's realpolitik approach to international relations led to a significant shift in the country's foreign policy.
- A practical and often ruthless approach to politics, prioritizing power and stability over idealism or morality. The politician's realpolitik tactics were criticized by opponents as being too cynical and manipulative.
Did you know? The term 'realpolitik' was popularized by Otto von Bismarck, who used it to describe his pragmatic approach to unifying Germany in the late 19th century.