Realpolitik

The mentality of Europe in 1812-1919. Realpolitik is a term used to describe a form of politics where self-interests and the interests of the overall good of the nation are favored over moral decisions. There is no international authority. Realpolitik is often used for a country's self-security, even if it not morally right, because security is a self-help system. States must maximize power to ensure security. Realpolitik is also a form of realism in politics, as it can be seen as viewing the world as it truly is, rather than in an idealist view of honest politics. Realpolitik has been employed in countries all over the world, including America.