Final answer:
The Kaiser, Wilhelm II, may have respected the pragmatic aspects of Realpolitik used by Bismarck to unify Germany, but he diverged from its purely practical approach, pursuing a more aggressive foreign policy and empire-building, which strayed from Realpolitik principles.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Kaiser, or Emperor Wilhelm II, likely had mixed feelings about Realpolitik, the political philosophy that Otto von Bismarck, his predecessor's chancellor, used to unify Germany. Realpolitik is characterized by pragmatism and realism, focusing on practical rather than ideological goals. Bismarck was a master at this, using wars and political maneuvering to achieve German unification without seeking territorial expansion beyond strategic necessities.
Kaiser Wilhelm II, who was keen on expanding Germany's power and influence, dismissed Bismarck and pursued a more aggressive foreign policy. He focused on overseas imperialism and bolstered the German navy, aspiring to make Germany a colonial power like Britain and France. Hence, while he may have respected Bismarck's successful application of Realpolitik for German unification, he diverged from Bismarck's purely pragmatic approach and instead sought glory through empire-building, which eventually contributed to WWI.