realpolitik
Power over principles
Realpolitik is politics based on practical considerations rather than ideological principles or moral concerns.
The German term, borrowed into English, describes foreign policy driven by national interest and power rather than ethics: His realpolitik approach meant allying with dictators when strategically useful.
The word often carries a cynical edge, suggesting cold calculation over idealism.
Art of government
- negotiationDiscussion seeking mutual accord
- treatyBinding pact between nations
- bilateralInvolving two parties
- multilateralInvolving multiple parties
summit · ambassador · envoy · accord · pact · mediation · delegation · protocol
Useful if not ideal
- unsentimentalLacking emotional softness
- hardheadedStubbornly unyielding or practical
- shrewdPractically clever, perceptive
- clear-eyedPerceiving without distortion
calculating · amoral · cynical · Machiavellian · tough-minded · worldly-wise · hard-nosed · no-nonsense
Dominant group's control
- superpowerDominant nation or magical ability
- nation-stateSovereign political territory
- sovereigntySupreme independent authority
- containmentPreventing hostile expansion
deterrence · borders · colonialism · imperialism · unilateralism · multilateralism · non-alignment · Westphalian
Skillful directional control
- calculationMathematical problem-solving process
- tacticsMethods to achieve goals
- gambitRisky opening for advantage
- intrigueSecret plotting or fascination
machination · cunning · foresight · manipulation · scheming · ploy · chess · zero-sum
Superior influence over others
- influencePower to affect others
- coercionPressured compliance through threats
- leverageBorrowed capital for amplified returns
- supremacyHighest rank or power
ascendancy · control · authority · clout · force · intimidation · subjugation · might
statecraft
Art of government
- negotiationDiscussion seeking mutual accord
- treatyBinding pact between nations
- bilateralInvolving two parties
multilateral · summit · ambassador · envoy · accord · pact · mediation · delegation · protocol · consulate
expedient
Useful if not ideal
- unsentimentalLacking emotional softness
- hardheadedStubbornly unyielding or practical
- shrewdPractically clever, perceptive
clear-eyed · calculating · amoral · cynical · Machiavellian · tough-minded · worldly-wise · hard-nosed · no-nonsense · unidealistic
hegemony
Dominant group's control
- superpowerDominant nation or magical ability
- nation-stateSovereign political territory
- sovereigntySupreme independent authority
containment · deterrence · borders · colonialism · imperialism · unilateralism · multilateralism · non-alignment · Westphalian · Kissinger
maneuvering
Skillful directional control
- calculationMathematical problem-solving process
- tacticsMethods to achieve goals
- gambitRisky opening for advantage
intrigue · machination · cunning · foresight · manipulation · scheming · ploy · chess · zero-sum · cost-benefit
dominance
Superior influence over others
- influencePower to affect others
- coercionPressured compliance through threats
- leverageBorrowed capital for amplified returns
supremacy · ascendancy · control · authority · clout · force · intimidation · subjugation · might · pressure
- German Wordsdie, in, an, auf, von
- geopoliticsbalance of power, bipolarity, bloc, blocs, brinkmanship
- political tacticscampaigning, gerrymandering, filibuster, campaigns, voter suppression
- Prussian HistoryPrussia, Bismarck, Otto von Bismarck, Hohenzollern dynasty, Frederick the Great
- Renaissance Politicsstatecraft, royal authority, divine right, absolutism, sovereignty
- RussiaRussia, Moscow, Kremlin, Red Square, Siberia
realpolitikidealism
Belief in noble principles
utopianism · idealistic · romantic · moralism · naïve
realpolitiknaïveté
Inexperienced trustfulness
naïve · gullible · starry-eyed · Pollyannaism · wishful thinking