Discrete Configuration Geometry

UNIT 2 NATIONAL INTEREST

adds to the confusion. The problem of defining the concept is also complicated by the fact that researchers have tended to give the definitions of national interest according to the particular approach adopted by them. Frankel divides the various approaches adopted to define the concept of national interests into two broad categories—

objectivist and subjectivist.

In the first category, he includes all those approaches that view national interest as a concept that can be defined or examined with the help of some definable criteria. In the second one, he includes those definitions, which seek to interpret national interest as a “constantly changing pluralistic set of subjective references.

However, the most important reason that has added to the confusion regarding the meaning of the concept of national interest is the disagreement between those who view it in the broad sense and those who conceive it in terms of many concrete single interests. Generally, the decisions at the operational level are conceived in a narrow context and only a few dimensions are taken into account. At this level, the process of reasoning is inductive while at other levels it becomes more deductive.

Again, the people with theoretical inclination take a greater interest in the aggregate, while those with scientific bias lay more emphasis on the single dimension of the concept. Because of all these difficulties, various meanings have been assigned to it. Because of the vagueness of the concept, some scholars like Raymond Aron have gone to the extent of suggesting that it is a meaningless or a pseudo-theory. However, some of the definitions given below will help in clarifying the concept of national interest. Brooking’s Institute defined national interest as “the general and continuing ends for which a nation acts.” Charles Lerche and Abul Said defined it as “the general long-term and continuing purpose which the state, the nation, and the government all see themselves as serving. Dyke describes national interest as an interest that the states seek to protect or achieve concerning each other.

Analysing the above definitions will highlight the differences of approach. While the first two definitions interpret national interest in terms of permanent guide to the action of the state, the definition of Dyke refers to the national interest as an action. The first two definitions seem to be more logical.

The concept of national interest is comparatively new. In the ancient and medieval times, the states pursued certain substantial interests based on their relations. In the early middle ages, the laws of Christianity formed the basis of these relations and the states were expected to ensure that their laws conformed to these principles. However, with the emergence

of the secular state, the Church began to be looked upon as the enemy of national interest and the national interests were equated with the interests of the prince of the ruling dynasty. At that time, the national interest meant the interest of a particular monarch in holding fast to the territories he already possessed, in extending his domains and in the aggrandisement of his house. Nevertheless, with time, the popular bodies challenged the authority of the monarchs and asserted themselves. This resulted in the growth of democracy and the ‘honour of the Prince was replaced by the honour of the nation’. Thus, the concept passed from the feudal and monarchical system to the republic and democratic system and soon gained common usage in the political and diplomatic literature. In short, the term ‘national interest’ gained currency only with the emergence of the national state system, an increase in popular political control and the great expansion of economic relations.

3.2

Types of National Interest

An examination of the various kinds of national interests will further help in clarifying the concept itself. According to Thomas W. Robinson, national interest can be broadly classified into six categories, vis., primary interest, secondary interest, permanent interest, variable interest, general interest, and specific interest. Let us examine the various kinds of interests in some details.

The Primary interests of a nation include the preservation of the physical, political, and cultural identity of the state against possible encroachments from outside powers. These interests are permanent and the state must defend them at all costs. No compromise of these interests is possible.

The Secondary interests though less important than the first one are quite vital to the existence of the state. These include the protection of the citisens abroad and ensuring of diplomatic immunities for the diplomatic staff.

Thirdly, Permanent interests refer to the relatively constant and long-term interests of the state. The change in the permanent interests, if any, is rather slow. An example of this type of national interest is provided by the determination of Britain to maintain freedom of navigation during the colonial era for the protection of her overseas colonies and growing trade.

Fourthly, the Variable interests refer to those interests of a nation, which a nation considers vital for national good in a given set of circumstances.

In this sense, the variable interests of a state are largely determined by

the cross-currents of personalities, public opinion, sectional interests, partisan politics, and political and moral folkways. Fifthly, the General interests of a nation refer to those positive conditions, which apply to a large number of nations in several specified fields such as economics, trade, diplomatic intercourse etc. For example, it was the general national interest of Britain to maintain a balance of power on the European continent.

Finally, Specific interests through the logical outgrowth of the general interests are defined in terms of time or space. For example, Britain has considered it a specific national interest to maintain the independence of the Low Countries for the sake of preservation of the balance of power in Europe.

In addition to the above six types of national interests, Prof. Robinson refers to three other interests which he describes as “international interests.” These include identical interests, complementary interests and conflicting interests. The identical interests refer to interests that are held in common by many states. For example, both the U.S.A. and Britain have been interested that Europe should not be dominated by any single power. The complementary interests of the nations refer to those interests, which though not identical, can form the basis of agreement on some specific issues. For instance, Britain was interested in the independence of Portugal against Spain because she wanted to control the reign of the Atlantic Ocean.

Similarly, Portugal was interested in the British maritime hegemony because this was a safe means of defence against Spain. The interests other than the identical and the complementary interests fall in the category of conflicting interests. Conflicting interests are therefore not fixed, and can change due to the force of events and diplomacy. Thus, the present time conflicting interests may become complementary interests. Likewise, the complementary and identical interests can also be transformed into conflicting interests.

SELF-ASSESSMENT EXERCISE What is the national interest?

4.0

CONCLUSION

This unit discussed the concept of National interest. The concept of national interest is very vague and carries a meaning according to the context in which it is used. As a result, it is not possible to give any universally acceptable interpretation of this concept. Brooking’s Institute defined national interest as “the general and continuing ends for which a nation acts.

5.0 SUMMARY

The concept of national interest is somewhat confusing. In the unit, explanations of categories like common interest and conflicting interest, primary and secondary interest, inchoate interest, the community of interests, identical and complementary interests, vital interests, material interests, has been in clearing the confusion. It was also learnt that, at a time, the term national interest signifies the interest of a particular monarch in holding fast to the territories he already possessed, in extending his domains and in the aggrandisement of his house.

6.0

TUTOR-MARKED ASSIGNMENT

Critically evaluate the nature and scope of national interest?

7.0

REFERENCES/FURTHER READING

Goldstein, J.S. & Pevehouse, J. C. (2011). International Relations. (9th ed.). San Francisco: Longman, Pearson Education.

Morgenthau, H. J. (1948). Politics among Nations: The Struggle for Power and Peace. New York: Knopt.

Palmer, N.D. & Perkins, H. C. (2004). International Relations: The World Community in Transition. (3rd ed.). Krishan Nagar, Delhi:

A.I.T.B.S.

Raymond, Aron (1966). Peace and War: A Theory of International Relations. Garden City, N.Y: Doubleday & Compan

UNIT 3 POWER