Realpolitik is a noun referring to a system of politics based on practical and material factors rather than ideological or ethical objectives. It emphasizes power, pragmatism, and the balance of national interests in policy decisions. The term captures governance driven by real-world considerations rather than idealism.
"In foreign policy, some leaders pursue Realpolitik to secure national interests even when it conflicts with moral ideals."
"The diplomat argued that a Realpolitik approach was necessary to stabilize the volatile region."
"Critics accuse the government of abandoning values in favor of Realpolitik and strategic advantage."
"Historical figures are often labeled for their Realpolitik tactics rather than their ideological commitments."
Realpolitik is a German compound noun formed from real (meaning ‘real, practical’) and Politik (meaning ‘politics’ or ‘policy’). It emerged in political discourse in the 19th and 20th centuries, influenced by the German term Politik and the Latin root prae‑, but the modern usage is most closely associated with German chancellor Otto von Bismarck’s pragmatic statecraft. The word entered English in the late 19th to early 20th century, though the concept predates the term, with philosophers and practitioners discussing politics grounded in material power rather than moral or ethical ideals. The term gained prominence during debates about nation-state policy, foreign relations, and the pursuit of national interests over ideological commitments. Realpolitik remains a shorthand for centrism and realism in international relations, signaling decisions based on practical calculations of power, security, and leverage rather than principled positions.
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Words that rhyme with "Realpolitik"
-ite sounds
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Realpolitik is pronounced with four syllables: /ˌriː.ælˈpoʊ.lɪˌtɪk/ (US) or /ˌriː.ɔːlˈpoː.lɪ.tɪk/ (UK). The primary stress sits on the third syllable: real- POL-i- t ik. Start with ‘ree’ as in ‘reed’, then a light ‘ah’ in the second syllable, followed by a strong ‘Pol’ and a final ‘it’ + ‘k’ cluster. Pay attention to the tight, crisp final ‘k’ and avoid adding extra vowels. Audio guide tip: slow it to four even beats, then reduce space between syllables as you gain confidence.
Common errors: misplacing the stress by emphasizing the first or second syllable instead of the third; merging syllables into a single ‘realpol-’ with a weak final syllable; and mispronouncing the ‘pol’ as ‘pol-i’ with an unclear vowel. Correction: rehearse the three-stressed pattern with clear separation: Re-al-POL-ik-tik, keeping the /ˈpoʊ/ or /poː/ syllable crisp, and finish with a sharp /tɪk/ or /tɪk/. Use slow-mesh practice and record to verify accurate vowel quality.
US tends to produce /ˌriː.ɪlˈpoʊ.lɪˌtɪk/ with a smoother /li/ into a flatter final consonant cluster; UK features a clearer, slightly longer /ɔː/ in the second syllable and a crisper final /tɪk/, while AU may merge some vowels and favor a more rounded /ɔ/ in /poː/. All share the /ˈpoʊ/ or /ˈpoː/ stress pattern on the third syllable; the rhotic r is more prominent in US speech, affecting overall rhythm.
Difficulties come from the multi-syllabic German origin, the shifting vowel heights, and the final consonant cluster. The second half requires a crisp ‘pol’ with a long o vowel and a hard ‘t’ followed by a weak -ik ending. Non-native speakers often misplace the stress or blend syllables, causing an uneven rhythm. Practice with slow, segmented syllables and then build speed while maintaining precise vowels and a firm final k.
A unique feature is the German-derived -politik suffix where the preceding vowel length and the consonant cluster /lp/ require careful articulation. The /lp/ sequence can be challenging for those with simpler syllable structures, so you should pause slightly before /l/ to ensure the following /p/ is released crisply. Also, the presence of a long /oː/ in the third syllable can impact rhythm; keep it evenly timed with the final /tɪk/.
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