International Relations: National Interest: Introduction and Classification
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Introduction
- One of the key component in international relations.
- Nations always act and react for satisfying their goals of national interests.
- It forms the very basis of foreign policy formulation.
- The conduct of foreign policy by a nation is governed by the considerations of national interests.
- The Behaviours of the state is justified by its national interests.
- In words of Morgenthau, “it is not only a political necessity but also a moral duty of a nation to follow in its dealing with the other nations but one guiding star, one standard for thought, one rule for action, i.e.. The National Interests” .
- He accepts national interest as the basis of a rational foreign policy and defines it in terms of national power.
- He conceptualizes it in an abstract and imprecise way and justifies it on the ground that, ‘since politics is not finite, precise and clearly observable , hence political concepts like national interests are bound to be vague and imprecise’ .
Classification
The six-fold classification by Thomas W. Robinson.
- Primary Interests- those interests which no nation can compromise. Examples-physical , political and cultural identity against possible encroachments by other states.
- Secondary Interests- vital for existence of states. it includes – protection of citizens abroad, diplomatic immunities.
- Permanent Interests – long term interests, subject to very slow change.
- Variable Interests- are largely determined by “the cross currents of personalities, public opinion, sectional interests, partisan politics and political and moral folkways” .
- General Interests – refers to those positive conditions which apply to large no of nations or in several specified fields such as economic , trade and diplomatic relations.
- Specific Interests – are the logical outgrowths of general interests and these are defined in terms of time and space.
- Besides these Robinson discusses three more , they are.
- Identical interest-common to large no of states.
- Complementary interests- though not identical but can form basis of agreement over specific issues.
- Conflicting interests – which are neither of them.
Methods for Promotion
- Diplomacy is the most favored and universally accepted means.
- While propaganda is the art of salesmanship , economic aid and loans becomes the necessity of poor or underdeveloped states to rely on rich states.
- Alliances and treaties for securing identical and complementary interests whereas coercive methods involves use of force and power for securing interest.
- Nation uses these according to the suitability of time and need. However, in the interests of international peace, security and prosperity , it is desired by states to refrain from using coercive means.
MCQs
1. ________interests are the logical outgrowths of general interests and these are defined in terms of time and space.
- Specific
- General
- Global
- Primary
Ans. A. Specific
Explanation: Specific interests are the logical outgrowths of general interests and these are defined in terms of time and space.
2. Robinson has classified ________ number of national interests.
- Four
- Two
- Six
- Nine
Ans. C. Six
- Explanation: Robinson presents a six-fold classification of the national interest- Primary interest
- Secondary interest
- Permanent interest
- Variable interest
- General interest
- Specific interest
3. Which among following is not the method of national interests?
- Diplomacy
- Art of war
- Alliances and treaty
- Propaganda
Ans. B. Art of War
Explanation: Art of war is the wrong answer. The five popular method of national interest re-
1. diplomacy
2. Propaganda
3. Economic aids and loans
4. Alliances and Treaties
5. Coercive Means
4. ________methods involves use of force and power for securing interest.
- Coercive
- Diplomacy
- Propaganda
- None
Ans. A. Coercive
Explanation: coercive methods involves use of force and power for securing interests. Intervention. Non-intercourse, embargoes, boycotts , reprisals, retort ion, retaliation, severance of relations and pacific blockades are the popular coercive means which are used by a nation to force others to accept a particular course of behavior or to refrain from a course which is considered harmful by the nation using force.
5. Interest that are long term and are subject to slow change ________.
- Permanent
- Secondary
- Primary
- conflicting
Ans. A. Permanent
Explanation: Permanent interests refer to the relatively constant long-term interest of the state. These are subject to slow changes.
For ex. – The American interest to preserve its sphere of influence and to maintain freedom of navigation in all the oceans is its Permanent interest.
#National Interest
#National Power
#Foreign Policy
# Means and Methods of National Interests
#Diplomacy
#Propaganda
#Economic Aid
#Alliances and Treaties
✍ Mayank