Author: GEW Intelligence Unit
Hichem Karoui (Editor)
Publisher: Global East-West. London (January 22, 2025)
Pages:226
Dimensions: 5.500″ x 8.500″ (216mm x 140mm)
“Masters of Realpolitik: Pioneers and Practitioners” delves deep into the intricate tapestry of power, strategy, and diplomacy, unravelling the philosophy of Realpolitik and its most influential adherents. With a sweeping lens, the text examines figures such as Machiavelli, whose pragmatic governance during the tumultuous Renaissance served as a template for political cunning, and Bismarck, the master tactician whose manoeuvres unified Germany amidst a web of alliances and rivalries. These luminaries, and others like them, are portrayed not only as architects of their era but as architects of the political frameworks that underpin contemporary statecraft. By anchoring their stories in the broader currents of history, the book brings to life the enduring relevance of power’s relentless pull in shaping the world stage.
Moving beyond its historical foundation, the work shifts to the modern relevance of Realpolitik, dissecting its influence on today’s regional disputes, economic rivalries, and the fragile balances that dictate geopolitics. It does not merely recount the past – it critiques it, weaving this legacy into contemporary thought. The contributions of modern theorists such as Morgenthau are given careful attention, showcasing how their insights have refined and redefined the principles of political realism in an increasingly interconnected and volatile global theatre.
Far from being a static chronicle, the book confronts pressing questions about Realpolitik’s trajectory in an era marked by technological upheaval, environmental crises, and shifting power centres. Can this enduring framework adapt to a world where influence is no longer measured solely by borders and armies but by data, economies, and global cooperation – or conflict? Blending meticulous historical analysis with sharp reflections on the present, Masters of Realpolitik serves as both an erudite study of the past and an indispensable compass for navigating the political complexities of tomorrow.
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Contents
Machiavelli: The Renaissance Strategist
Bismarck: The Architect of Unification
Metternich: Diplomacy in the Concert of Europe
Kissinger: Realpolitik in the Cold War
Morgenthau: The Modern Theorist
Contemporary Realpolitik Thinkers
Realpolitik in the Global Power Struggle
Realpolitik in Regional Conflicts
Realpolitik and Economic Interests
Conclusion: On Machiavelli and Realpolitik
1
Introduction
Rooted in German, Realpolitik translates to “realistic politics” and refers to a political philosophy that prioritises pragmatic and practical aspects over moral or ideological principles. It first became a popular model in international relations during the 19th century and has since influenced nations’ behaviours and foreign policies worldwide.
In its historical context, Realpolitik became particularly evident during a time of great geopolitical transformation and power competition. After the Napoleonic Wars, this age experienced territorial readjustments, the formation of new nationalisms, and the growth of new world powers. In this complex environment, politicians and diplomats pursued policies that were more national interest-oriented and practical rather than idealistic regarding morality or justice.
Origins
Realpolitik can be traced back to various periods in history, but it became popularised through a few eminent thinkers who provided the intellectual backbone to this notion. One such thinker is Niccolò Machiavelli, who proposed a practical approach to holding political power in his pivotal book The Prince (Il Principe). According to him, rulers should focus on maintaining supremacy and stability within the state even when wielding morally questionable techniques. This self-serving and stable approach became the foundation of Realpolitik.
Another leading figure towards Realpolitik was Prince Klemens von Metternich, an Austrian politician instrumental in Europe after the Napoleonic Era. Metternich’s philosophy was dedicated to the cohesive balance with the power of nations so as not to encourage aggression. His diplomatic activities, which circled the Congress of Vienna from 1814 to 1815, worked to restore peace and stability after a long period of disturbance. The approach held by Metternich, which was pragmatic in focus on national interests, helped form the basis for the later principles of Realpolitik to be devised.
Development of Realpolitik
In the nineteenth century, an increasing number of universities in modern Poland were active in integrating the Republic of Poland into the international order. However, for Realpolitik in practice, Otto von Bismarck acquired the essence of statesmanship and wielded it in practice most skillfully. The Bismarck period was when the Empire’s strength and prestige reached a high peak. During that period, the relatively tolerant policy towards the rest of Europe was crowned by the successful conduct of foreign political affairs, beginning with Bismarck’s foreign policy orientation. Realpolitik marked the focus of the Empire on forming political alliances, achieving military might, and garnering the world’s attention through adept negotiation while striving to serve and advance German national interests.
Bismarck’s approach to state politics continues to impact the world today. His German foreign policy earned him a world-stage reputation, as he successfully dealt with the different European powers during the Schleswig Wars, the Austro-Prussian War, and the Franco-Prussian War. Bismarck took into account that when pursuing power and security, moral and ethical considerations should be ignored. The multilayered German alliances he fostered single-handedly propelled the German Empire to great power status in Europe.
Realpolitik in modern-day
Even in the modern world, the principles of Realpolitik have not lost their grip on international relations. After the Second World War, German Kissinger, who served under American Presidents Nixon and Ford, emerged as a leading figure for Realpolitik. He understood the intricacies of power and national interests and, hence, was able to apply them to diplomacy. During his negotiations with the Soviet Union in the Cold War, he was able to avert the face-off between the superpowers with the aim of achieving a strategic balance.
Even after the Cold War, international relations were still influenced by realpolitik. The growth of China as a military and economic superpower has forced countries around the world to adjust their foreign policy and review their national interests. The realpolitik aspect informs the decisions that affect trade, territorial conflict, and alliances. Policies are made that are moderately optimistic regarding the balance of power and the risks to security as governments evaluate the gains from economic development and collaboration.
Final Thoughts
It is obvious that real politics is still applicable and relevant to nineteenth-century politics since it is important to always find a balanced way to be pragmatic with everything and adjust to change. Today’s intricately woven and multipolar cosmos poses unique concerns for countries, which, to be resolved, requires a total understanding of how power is balanced, offensively and defensively.
Comprehending and following the rules of Realpolitik will be vital for policymakers, diplomats, and
Political Realism focuses solely on state interests and power calculations, utilising pragmatic diplomacy rather than ideological approaches. In today’s era of economic, test, and territorial conflicts, these principles are as relevant as ever. Realism helps in understanding the complexities and challenges in the ever-changing world of international relations.
There must be a balance between political idealism and pragmatism. The harsh reality leaders must face is the moral dilemmas stemming from attending to the interests of their nation while making ethical decisions. So, the continuous study of Realpolitik must be analysed and understood in an ongoing manner.
To summarise, Realpolitik originated as a practical approach to overhauls in politics and society in the 19th century. Drawing upon, among others, Machiavelli, Bismarck, and Metternich, Realpolitik is a blend of ideas where practical political considerations and a sense of power take precedence over goals and objectives. Developed out of an understanding of the intricacies of the world system, Realpolitik informs how nation-states will conduct themselves in a world characterised by the constant change in which the balance of interests and power is constantly in flux.
Where Realpolitik is applicable in today’s international politics
Realpolitik, having stemmed from Post-Napoleonic Europe, is still appreciated and useful when dealing with the twisting realities of contemporary international politics. Its traditions, despite its grim perception, have made it more universal, and with all these changes, the tenets of Realpolitik have guided the policies of many countries and leaders around the globe. As such, let us explore further the modern-day implications of realpolitik in contemporary geopolitics through its definition, core tenets, and application in a changing world.
One of the key components of the reason why Realpolitik continues to be relevant today is, in fact, the persistent nature of the power relations in international relations. The essence of Realpolitik is that states and leaders act primarily out of self-interest in the competition to achieve greater power, security, and influence. As long as there is competition for resources, markets, and strategic assets, this principle will always hold true in one form or another. There is a dire need to understand the motives and actions of other actors because these are the factors which influence the behaviour and decision-making process of states. Realpolitik enriches the analysis of geopolitical relations by putting into perspective self-interest as the basic motive of state activity.
Furthermore, as modern geopolitical realities are much more complex, a more practical and adaptable method should be applied. The evolution of technology and the dissemination of information, along with the networking of all global systems, has heightened the complexity of international relations. The traditional moralistic and idealistic approaches are often inappropriate for the many-layered problems of different nations and make it hard to be effective in the world. Realpolitik considers that the real targets of idealism are often unrealistic due to the nature of competing interests. Realpolitik, however, seeks to go beyond these constraints and emphasises practicality and efficiency in decision-making, providing opportunities to deal with leaders in a much more rational way grounded on the realities of the political world.
The re-emergence of power politics and competition among great powers is yet another reason that brings to light the continuous significance of Realpolitik. Lately, there has been a crucial shift toward the establishment of a multipolar world order, where there are emerging new powers that contest the existing one, which has been dominated by established players. Major countries such as the United States, China, and Russia, together with regional powers such as India, Iran, and Turkey, seek to expand their global clout and depict their interests. Such shifts in power require a thorough comprehension of Realpolitik in order to understand and analyse them correctly. Realpolitik pays attention to the balances of power and to the cuts made by the actors to define the limits of their positions. It argues for the necessity of intelligent examination of the balance of power, together with the distribution of economic, military, and diplomatic resource policies of a country, to determine international relations.
Thus, the persistent nature of Realpolitik is important in solving problems posed by non-state actors and others’ creative threats. From the advent of extremist ideologies and terrorist acts to cyber and even hybrid warfare, today’s geopolitical scenarios incorporate a greater number of actors and forces that exist outside of the conventional nation-state paradigm. Realpolitik affords foreign leaders the ability to meet such challenges head-on within a broader global context. It is, therefore, possible to approach these challenges with a practical understanding of the motives and strategies employed by non-state actors and develop strategies that prioritise national security and interests. Real policymakers, thus, are prepared to understand these transforming and complex challenges.
Moreover, the relationship between geopolitics and economics underscores how relevant Realpolitik is in such modern cases. Trade, economics and resources have become vital to a state’s power and influence. Realpolitik takes note of the connection that exists between military might and a country’s economic strength. This means that one can take a realistic view of the world by formulating and implementing policies that advance the country’s political and economic goals. In a climate where political leaders frequently prioritise economic goals, understanding the rationale and objectives driving the activities associated with economic actions becomes critical. Realpolitik is about allowing policymakers and analysts to fully understand the multidimensional nature of real-world economic relations and their influences on international politics. For example, the rivalry between the United States and China goes beyond the usual security competition to include economic competition, using tools of trade, investment, and competition over technology. Realpolitik assists in defining and analysing these contests of a multidimensional character, making it possible to have an effective policy on economic relations, infrastructure, and technology.
In other words, the relevance of Realpolitik today is its capacity to provide a practical and flexible approach to the intricacies of international relations. As one acknowledges the constant struggle for power, the problem of idealism in politics, the emerging and non-state relations threats, and the more complicated combination of geopolitics and economics, Realpolitik is useful. It provides a unique approach for politicians and analysts to solve problems. What Realpolitik proposes will always remain important in our understanding of the contemporary world as geopolitical intricacies are shifting over time.
The core theme of the book
Real-world-based politics, as a term, emphasises practicality, self-interest, and politics as a means to ensure that international relations are beneficial to a nation. This is the reason why diplomacy is treated with the utmost respect. The term was first coined in the mid-19th century by a German political thinker, Ludwig von Rochau. His contribution made significant impacts on international relations and diplomacy.
Realpolitik serves as an example of a theory that did not come to be influential until the modern era. The term indicates the distinct practical consideration of the power relations at hand without taking into account the ethical side of politics. It can be said that Realpolitik was present even in ancient civilisations where power motivated pragmatic relations among different empires as well as between factions within an empire.
One of the earliest realpolitik analysts is considered to be Italian political thinker Niccolò Machiavelli. In his important publication “The Prince”, released in 1532, Machiavelli defended his claim that a leader’s first priority is the leader’s preservation as well as that of the state, even if it means unethical dealings. The result of such dealings must be justifiable. Such Machiavellian principles became the driving force behind all future realpolitik thinkers who came after him.
The 19th century witnessed the rise of Otto von Bismarck and Klemens von Metternich, who marked their names in Realpolitik forever. Bismarck, the German Empire’s first Chancellor, was able to use diplomacy and Realpolitik in perfect harmony to unite Germany and allow it to reach a pedestal above all other European countries. His strategy lay in alliance building and manipulative rivalry with powerful nations, with German superiority as the ultimate goal. Metternich, an Austrian statesman and diplomat, practised Realpolitik in his negotiations in the summer of the Congress of Vienna held in 1814-1815. His main focus was primarily on keeping stability and conservatism as his core objectives to protect the current order in Europe as well as the current status.
Henry Kissinger, while serving as the U.S. National Security Advisor and later as the Secretary of State for Nixon and Ford, was one of the most influential thinkers of Realpolitik during the twentieth century. Kissinger sought a balanced way of dealing with the issues that arose from the Cold War. He thought it was best for America to have adversarial relations with both the Soviet Union and China and engage in secret negotiations and diplomacy to maintain strength. This style of diplomacy is known as Realpolitik. Quite simply, it places power above morality. It is because of Kissinger’s views that U.S. foreign policies have been so profoundly altered.
In modern international relations, realist approaches to politics still shape the decisions of world powers and influence the global order. In the latter half of the twentieth century, scholars working within international relations, such as Hans Morgenthau, broadened the international relations debate by positing that power, security, and self-interest are important in contemporary politics. One of his most famous works, “Politics Among Nations”, published in 1948, argued for a more practical face of foreign policy where power plays an integral role in managing international relations.
The landscape of global politics, which has a form of bipolarity, with states competing against each other, motivated the concept of real politics. With the end of the Cold War came challenges such as non-state actors, the spread of nuclear weapons, and economic relations amongst states that added more complexity to Realpolitik. With the existence of more interdependence between countries, there have been new emerging shifts in power, allowing for new opportunities along with new challenges.
In terms of nuclear weapons, Realpolitik plays an even more crucial role. States have to calculate their chances of security against their perceived enemies getting hold of nuclear weapons and other arms. Moves to control the spread of weapons, as well as other arms restraining treaties, deterrent actions, and strategies, require a delicate mix of collaboration and rivalry and a fine balance between national interest and global stability. Realpolitik changes the worldview by forcing one to pay attention to the existing power equations in the system and act in accordance with it while accounting for the dangers nuclear weapons bring.
The growing international division of labour and globalisation gives prominence to realpolitik factors. State-wide systems of trade and investment are growing in relation to one another, which has had a tremendous effect on increasing the states’ interdependence as a whole. This opens up new opportunities but, at the same time, poses certain vulnerabilities. Balance of power thinkers appreciate the complexity and the multi-dimensional weave of interconnections and thus need to pursue fostering economic development and protecting national interests simultaneously. States are willing to bargain, sign regional economic agreements, and enter alliances in order to keep supporting economic objectives at low risks, thus maintaining a balance between cooperative and competitive international relationships.
Moreover, the emergence of non-state entities, such as non-profit organisations and transnational corporations, offers a fresh perspective with the growing focus on state-centric Realpolitik. These entities have gained substantial influence and, therefore, become major stakeholders in global relations, changing the established modes of power. The changing face of Realpolitik now accommodates the details and power of these non-state participants and their role in the political game. Seeking to achieve the political goal becomes easier when they are engaged and cooperatively worked with in a strategic manner.
Even though ethical values are not a priority in Realpolitik, one should not forget them completely. Self-interest and other considerations have to be weighed against one another in the responsible wielding of power. Realistic thinkers, within the limits of power politics, ought to work towards objectives that are not only feasible but ensure the sustenance of ethical values as well as the general well-being.
All in all, self-preservation, the pursuit of power, and self-interest were given more weight in the management of international relations because of Realpolitik. This approach dates back to realpolitik thinkers like Machiavelli and extends to prominent figures such as Bismarck, Metternich, and Kissinger, as well as more modern scholars such as Morgenthau. This approach to international relations has, throughout history, dictated diplomatic strategies and foreign policies. In a world that is constantly changing and challenging, Realpolitik still stands as a basic approach to comprehending power relations, complexities, and national interest while adjusting the focus on humanitarian aspects in political decisions. We see a deeper understanding and appreciation for this gap between realpolitik thinkers and the ongoing relevance of global governance.
SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY
On the Origins of Realpolitik
Black, J. (2001). War in the modern world, 1900-2000.
Contextualises Realpolitik within the framework of 20th-century warfare and international relations.
Bismarck, O. von. (1898). Reflections and remembrances (J. M. W. Thomas, Trans.).
Bismarck’s writings provide insight into his Realpolitik approach, particularly in statecraft and diplomacy.
Carr, E. H. (1939). The twenty years’ crisis, 1919-1939: An introduction to the study of international relations.
Although not solely focused on Realpolitik, this classic work highlights realist political theory and traces its intellectual relationship to 19th-century ideas.
Craig, G. A. (1974). The politics of the Prussian army 1640-1945. Oxford University Press.
Examines the military-political foundations that influenced Realpolitik thinking.
Gallagher, J. (1973). The decline, revival, and fall of the British Empire: The Ford lectures and other essays.
Discusses Realpolitik in the context of imperialism, offering insights into its application in British and other colonial empires.
Hoffmann, S. (1997). The European security order revisited.
Critiques the Realpolitik approach in post-Cold War Europe, discussing how historical legacies influence contemporary security policies.
Kissinger, H. (1957). A world restored: Metternich, Castlereagh and the problems of peace, 1812-1822. Houghton Mifflin.
Analyses the diplomatic foundations of Realpolitik through key historical figures.
Kissinger, H. (1994). Diplomacy.
A comprehensive history of international relations, reflecting on the principles of Realpolitik, particularly in relation to 20th-century diplomacy.
Keohane, R. O., & Nye, J. S. (1977). Power and interdependence: World politics in transition.
This book contrasts Realpolitik with liberal internationalism, exploring the dynamics of power in global politics.
Lutz, R. H. (1922). The history of European diplomacy: 1815-1914.
Explores the rise of Realpolitik as a dominant approach in European diplomacy, particularly during the 19th century.
Mann, G. (1968). The history of Germany since 1789. Chatto & Windus.
Explores the political and intellectual climate that gave rise to Realpolitik.
Meyer, K. (2002). Realpolitik: The political philosophy of power.
Discusses the philosophical underpinnings of Realpolitik and its evolution through history.
Meinecke, F. (1957). Machiavellianism: The doctrine of raison d’état and its place in modern history. Yale University Press.
A classic study tracing the intellectual origins of power politics and reason of state.
Morgenthau, H. J. (1948). Politics among nations: The struggle for power and peace.
A foundational text in modern political realism that draws heavily on concepts associated with Realpolitik.
Petersen, J. R. (2017). Realpolitik: An introduction.
Offers a contemporary overview of Realpolitik, its historical context, and its implications in international relations.
Pflanze, O. (1990). Bismarck and the development of Germany: The period of unification, 1815-1871. Princeton University Press.
Detailed study of Bismarck’s implementation of Realpolitik principles.
Richter, M. (1995). The history of political and social concepts: A critical introduction.
Provides valuable historical background on key political concepts, including Realpolitik.
Schmid, B. C. (1998). The political discourse of anarchy: A disciplinary history of international relations.
Examines how Realpolitik influenced the evolution of realist thought within the discipline.
Sheehan, J. J. (1989). German history 1770-1866. Oxford University Press.
Provides crucial context for understanding the emergence of Realpolitik in German political thought.
Schroeder, P. W. (1994). The transformation of European politics 1763-1848. Oxford University Press.
Comprehensive analysis of European diplomatic history and power politics.
Taylor, A. J. P. (1955). Bismarck: The man and the statesman. Hamish Hamilton.
Influential biography examining the practical application of Realpolitik by its most famous practitioner.
von Rochau, A. L. (1853). Grundsätze der Realpolitik.
A foundational text in the development of the term and concept of Realpolitik, providing the original articulation in 19th-century German political thought.
