National Interest



National Interest

National Interest

The 'national interest' remains perhaps the most central concept of Realism, permeating both academic and policy discussions of international relations. This paper argues that the conception of the national interest found in classical realism differs fundamentally from its representations within current forms of realism. Through an analysis of Hans Morgenthau in particular, the paper seeks to demonstrate that the concept of the national interest should not be understood as an assumption of state action. Rather, it acts as a complex critical device fostering public dialogue over the purposes and pursuits of national power. In the current political environment, a recovery of this vision is more relevant than ever.

What is meant by the term “national interest”? Of what utility is it in the analysis of foreign policy decision making in the twenty-first century?

At the beginning of the twenty-first century, those who approve of the link between ethnic minorities and foreign policy no longer argue from a defensive position. They instead point out that policymakers are themselves often highly partisan and political on specific foreign policy issues. For example, Jewish Americans have long contended that the Middle East desk at the State Department has traditionally been staffed by personnel who are pro-Arab. Since some persons in the State Department contend that the national interest lies in protecting American commercial interests in the Middle East, ethnic bias is not the only possible explanation of the State Department position. Similarly, supporters of America's pro-Israel stance are not necessarily Zionists but can instead insist that the national interest is best served by supporting democracies, such as Israel, wherever they exist. Why, the critics of official Washington ask, should it be assumed that the State Department's interpretation of the national interest is any more creditable than the views of State Department critics?

Ethnic ...