What is "realpolitik"

1914, from German Realpolitik, which can be translated as "practical politics." See real (adj.) + politics.

n. (context politics English) pragmatic international government policy concerned with perceived interests of the nation.

n. politics based on practical rather than moral or ideological considerations [syn: practical politics]

Realpolitik (from "realistic", "practical", or "actual"; and "politics", ) is politics or diplomacy based primarily on considerations of given circumstances and factors, rather than explicit ideological notions or moral and ethical premises. In this respect, it shares aspects of its philosophical approach with those of realism and pragmatism. It is often simply referred to as pragmatism in politics, e.g. "pursuing pragmatic policies" (Singapore). The term Realpolitik is sometimes used pejoratively to imply politics that are coercive, amoral, or Machiavellian.

Realpolitik is often confused with the philosophy of political realism. Political realism is particular modern, descriptive paradigm, or theoretical and methodological framework, aimed at describing, explaining and, eventually, predicting events in the international relations domains. Both are often believed to suggest working from the hypothesis that it is chiefly based on the pursuit, possession, and application of power. (See also power politics) However, some International Relations Realists, such as Kenneth Waltz and Hans Morgenthau, have viewed states as pursuing immediate survival or security, rather than the pursuit of power.