"Realpolitik is the approach of conducting diplomatic or political policies based primarily on considerations of given circumstances and factors, rather than strictly following explicit ideological notions or moral and ethical premises."
A policy that focuses on practical national interests, often emphasizing the balance of power or strategic considerations.
Historical context: Understanding the historical context of Realism as a foreign policy theory.
Core principles: Explanation of the core principles of Realism, such as power, anarchy, and self-interest.
The balance of power: Discussion of the importance of balance of power in the Realist theory.
International relations: Overview of the Realist approach to international relations.
National security: Explanation of the Realist emphasis on national security.
Nuclear proliferation: Discussion of the Realist perspective on nuclear proliferation.
Diplomacy: Overview of the Realist approach to diplomacy.
Cooperation and conflict: Explanation of the balance between cooperation and conflict in the Realist theory.
Idealism versus Realism: Comparison of Realism with Idealism as a foreign policy theory.
Criticisms: Examination of criticisms of the Realist theory.
Realism in practice: Analysis of how Realism has been applied in practice in foreign policy.
Realism and globalization: Discussion of the impact of globalization on the Realist theory.
Realism and regionalism: Understanding the relationship between Realism and regionalism.
Realism and economic policy: Examination of the Realist approach to economic policy in foreign relations.
International organizations: Overview of the Realist perspective on international organizations.
Realism and human rights: Discussion of how the Realist theory views human rights in foreign policy.
Realism and terrorism: Analysis of the Realist approach to terrorism as a foreign policy challenge.
Realism and democracy: Overview of the Realist approach to democracy promotion in foreign policy.
Realism and foreign aid: Examination of the Realist perspective on foreign aid in foreign policy.
Realism and military intervention: Understanding the Realist perspective on military intervention in foreign policy.
Classical Realism: This type of Realism emphasizes the importance of human nature in shaping international relations, and argues that states are inherently aggressive and act in their own self-interest.
Structural Realism (Neorealism): This type of Realism argues that states behave as they do largely because of the international system in which they exist, which is characterized by anarchy and the absence of a world government.
Offensive Realism: This type of Realism posits that states are aggressive by nature and seek to maximize their power in order to ensure their survival in a competitive international system.
Defensive Realism: This type of Realism argues that states are inherently insecure and seek to maintain a balance of power in their favor in order to deter potential aggressors.
Liberal Realism (Democratic Realism): This type of Realism proposes that the spread of liberal democratic values can help reduce conflict between states, and that cooperation is possible even in an anarchic international system.
Marxist Realism (Neo-Marxist Realism): This type of Realism emphasizes economic factors as the primary drivers of international relations, and argues that the capitalist system perpetuates international conflict.
Critical Realism: This type of Realism challenges the assumption that states behave rationally and argues instead that their decision-making is a product of historical and cultural factors.
Feminist Realism: This type of Realism critiques traditional Realism for its emphasis on power politics and argues that foreign policy should take into account the experiences of women and other marginalized groups.
Green Realism (Environmental Realism): This type of Realism highlights the importance of environmental factors and argues that international relations should be guided by principles of ecological sustainability.
Cultural Realism: This type of Realism emphasizes the role of cultural values and norms in shaping international relations, and argues that misunderstandings between different cultures can lead to conflict.
"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."
"While generally used as a positive or neutral term, as of around 2014, Realpolitik has been used pejoratively to imply political policies that are perceived as being coercive, amoral, or Machiavellian."
"Prominent proponents of Realpolitik include Otto von Bismarck, Henry Kissinger, George F. Kennan, Zbigniew Brzezinski, and Hans-Dietrich Genscher, as well as politicians such as Charles De Gaulle and Lee Kuan Yew."