The Evolution of Politics: From Civic Virtue to Realpolitik

07/17/2026 Mark Thornton

While people claim they want the “virtuous” state with citizens to match, what we really get is realpolitik, whether we want it or not.

Original article: https://mises.org/mises-wire/evolution-politics-civic-virtue-realpolitik

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The Evolution of Politics: From Civic Virtue to Realpolitik