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Bismarck

Realpolitik in the National Interest

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Leadership in Conflict
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Abstract

Exercising his leadership through his patron Kaiser William, Otto von Bismarck during his 28 years in power shaped modern Germany from a collection of independent states into the most influential land power in late nineteenth century Europe. All his energies were focused on the goal of building such a dominant state which effectively provided him with an outlet for his own personal drive for influence and power. In what has become a classic example of realpolitik, Bismarck reversed alliances, switched party loyalties, manipulated allies and opponents - all with this supreme objective in mind.

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© 1996 Steven I. Davis

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Davis, S.I. (1996). Bismarck. In: Leadership in Conflict. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230378100_4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230378100_4

  • Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-0-333-65171-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-0-230-37810-0

  • eBook Packages: Palgrave History CollectionHistory (R0)

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