Conceptualization of national interest within the theoretical framework of realism

Abstract

The subject of this article is to explore ways how the notion of national interest was conceptualized in within the theoretical framework of realism. Literature review created conditions for gaining insights into the work of prominent realists such as Hans Morgenthau, Raymond Aron, and Kenneth Waltz. Therefore, summing up and comparing their conceptualizations of national interest represent the main goals of this paper. A detailed review of the existing literature showed that national interest dominantly occupies interest of realist theorists. Nonetheless, there is no consensus among them when it comes to a single definition of national interest, except for the one defining it as means of political action and political analysis. Additionally, there are significant disagreements, both in determining the content of the concept and its function. For instance, Morgenthau underlined power as central element of national interest, Raymond Aron singled out state satisfaction, whereas Waltz emphasized survival as key feature of this concept . In concluding remarks, it is pointed out that the national interest is difficult to determine precisely, bearing in mind its complexity and diversity in the theoretical considerations of the prominent theorists.

Keywords

• national interest
• realism
• hans morgenthau
• raymond aron
• kenneth waltz