realpolitik

(noun)

Politics or diplomacy based primarily on considerations of given circumstances and factors, rather than explicit ideological notions or moral and ethical premises.

Related Terms

Examples of realpolitik in the following topics:

  • Shuttle Diplomacy

    • A proponent of Realpolitik, Kissinger was highly influential in United States foreign policy between 1969 and 1977.

  • Machiavelli

    • The term "Machiavellian" is often associated with political deceit, deviousness, and realpolitik.