Realpolitik

lit. “realistic politics”

Politics conducted on the basis of pragmatic interests rather than morals or ideology.

Origin

Coined by the German writer Ludwig von Rochau in 1853, applied most famously to Bismarck's statecraft. Henry Kissinger updated it for the Cold War — recognizing China, détente with the Soviets, prioritizing balance-of-power over ideological purity.

Modern usage

Used in foreign-policy commentary as either praise (clear-eyed) or criticism (amoral). Frequent in tech and business writing too — 'startup realpolitik' usually means abandoning a stated value for survival.

Red Line

A publicly declared limit that, if crossed, will provoke a serious response.

phrase

Politics & Statecraft

Munich Moment

A decision to appease an aggressor that's likely to come back as a worse crisis.

adjective

Philosophy & Psychology

Machiavellian

Cunning, manipulative, and willing to do whatever is necessary to retain power.

Allusionary