Sociology | Mercantile Law | International Law | International Relations

National interest is a tricky topic of modern International Relations. It is something taken as an impetus behind every state action relative to another state. National Interest serves as the determinant of state’s foreign policy along with depicting the nature and policies of political government ruling the state.

Defining National Interest
It is a common perception that national interest has no concrete and definite words that can define it absolutely. It is a fluid aspect of International Relations. The definition of national interest lacks universality because the national interest is not shared common by all states. Secondly, there are the factors which determine national interest of a state for a specific period of time. These factors also vary from state to state.

But in a very safe and simplest attempt to define national interest following words can be used; “National Interest is the name of those goals and objectives of a state which are pursued to seek the maximum benefit in a given set of circumstances”.

Fluidity of National Interest
National interest lacks definite outlook. The variables which prevent national interest from seeking a concrete shape are following;

• Varying circumstances
• Different state ideologies
• Major changes in the World Order

These variables make states to review their national interests from time to time and alter their course of action then.

Link Between National Interest and Foreign Policy
National interest is closely linked to the foreign policy of a state. As foreign policy is determined and drafted keeping in view the national interest. Relations of one state with another state are nothing more than their interests attached to each other’s. In Foreign policy a state pursues its national interest.

Determinants of National Interest
Along with the variables mentioned above, national interest is determined by following elements;

• State’s geo – strategic position
• Political traditions
• Goals and manifestoes of political parties
• History of the state

Survival – The Chief Aim of National Interest
Among the several aims and goals of the national interest of a state, survival stands to be the first one. All other interests come after a state has ensured survival. Other aims of national interest can be economic, political and diplomatic oriented.

Ways to Pursue National Interest
National interest is pursued through different ways. In the modern world of the nation – state system, national interest is pursued chiefly by ‘Diplomacy’. It is the legitimate art of forwarding state’s foreign policy towards other states. In this way actually national interest is pursued.

Ways to pursue other than diplomacy can be use of influence, making alliances, concluding agreements and treaties. Illegitimate ways might include the use of force against the other state or interfering in its internal matters with the help of non – state actors.

Conclusion
National interest is understood in wider sense. It is mostly long term policy. The reason behind the presence of complexity in understanding national interest is also that we take it in shorter term as something imminently achievable and based on unchangeable principles. But in fact it is contrary to that.