Realpolitik
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Realpolitik (German: real ("realistic", "practical" or "actual") and Politik ("politics")) is a term to describe or prescribe 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 Otto von Bismarck, a Prussian statesman in the 19th century, after 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 practioners 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. That Prussia didn't demand 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. A foreign policy guided by realpolitik, can also be described as a realist foreign policy.
Relation to Realism
Realpolitik is related to Realism in international relations 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.
See also
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