Bismarckian
1
9.7
- adjective
- /ˌbɪzmɑrkɪən/
- Formal
- The Bush doctrine has also helped to reinvigorate relations with major powers such as China, Russia, and India, each of which faces its own terrorist insurgency, and all of which are now, in a happily Bismarckian way, on friendlier terms with Washington than with each other.
Examples
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His Bismarckian approach to diplomacy emphasized pragmatic solutions over ideological disputes.
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Though its political life was brief, the Weimar era would see an amplification of the Bismarckian nationalism that it inherited in direct response to its own failures.
Academic text (1998) -
"In the old man's fierce pro-Western tradition, the ruling conservative party is more comfortable with an Atlanticist and European policy than a Bismarckian balance of power strategy that recognizes the need to pull Russia into Europe."
Blog text (8) -
The politician's Bismarckian tactics were evident in his ability to unify diverse factions for a common purpose.
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Critics argued that the president's Bismarckian policies favored a strong state role in economic affairs.
Surface Forms
Morphology
Bismarckian = Bismarck (transparent) = Bismarck + ian
The suffix '-ian' is commonly used to form adjectives indicating relationship or pertaining to a person.
Etymology
Bismarckian comes from the name of the German leader Bismarck, who used strong, practical methods to unite and run his country in the 1800s. So a 'Bismarckian' policy means a forceful, no-nonsense approach that aims for practical results rather than following ideas or ideals.