Realpolitik is a pragmatic approach to international politics, where decisions are made based on practical concerns and power dynamics rather than ideological or ethical considerations. It prioritizes national interests, often at the expense of moral or legal constraints.

The term is often associated with 19th-century German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck, who unified Germany by forging alliances and waging wars based on strategic calculations rather than ideological goals. In modern times, realpolitik can be seen in foreign policies that prioritize economic or security benefits over human rights or democratic values.