A realpolitik interpretation prioritises present interests, economics and a state's future survival. It questions the practical value of apologies for events centuries earlier from people who were not alive when those events occurred. The criticism extends to reopening old wounds and spending political effort on symbolic words. These are political and moral judgments about diplomatic priorities. They follow the Amethyst discussion's emphasis on containing a crisis when neither government wants a war.
Notable Point · 3:39:30-3:41:05
Realpolitik, historical apologies and the interests of states
A critical view of historical apologies prioritises present interests, economics and the practical management of international disputes.