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.

Origin and use of the term

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. Another example would be Adolf Hitler and Nazi Germany ideology of world domination through the expansion of German living spaces, Realpolitik will look at how to practically achieve through practical steps those goals besides the overall desire and want of the German expansionism.

Relation to Realism

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.

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Origin and use of the term

Relation to Realism

See also