Realpolitik

Term of German origin that refers to international relations based upon the advancement of national interest and calculation of power. Realpolitik is a central principle of political realist thought and a reference to power politics among states.

In the arena of international relations, political realist thought emphasizes the constraints placed upon politics by human nature and the nonexistence of a dominant international governing body. These conditions combine to transform international relations into a realm of actors motivated by power and interest.

Realists assert that human nature remains unchanged since the days of classical antiquity and is, at its core, egoistic and thus inclined toward immorality. According to realpolitik, the nonexistence of a dominant governmental body in international relations results in anarchy in the international arena. The concept also holds that, within states, human nature usually is tamed by hierarchical political authority and rule. In international relations, anarchy not merely allows but encourages the worst aspects of human nature to be expressed.

The Prince, written by the Renaissance Italian political leader Niccolò Machiavelli, is universally acknowledged as a classical political work that espouses realpolitik behavior. In the book, Machiavelli discusses how to gain, maintain, and expand power. Any means necessary to achieve the desired end—security of the state—are justified.

Other realist political philosophers include the ancient Greek historian Thucydides and the 17th-century English philosopher Thomas Hobbes. Hobbes concluded that humanity's natural condition is a state of war, but a superior power dominating the actions of individuals can impose constraint and social structure, thus allowing humanity's escape from anarchical existence. According to Hobbes, hierarchical political authority awes humanity into submission and peace.