Understanding Core Values and Interests

Questions and Answers

What is the most common characteristic of core values and interests?

They are the same across all nations.

They are usually determined by international organizations.

They are based on the desires of a nation's leaders.

They are principles that a nation is willing to defend with ultimate sacrifices. (correct)

What is a key characteristic that distinguishes core values and interests from other national goals?

They are considered fundamental and non-negotiable. (correct)

They are usually determined by the public.

They are often based on religious beliefs.

They are less important than other national goals.

They are determined by the public.

What is a core national interest of a state, according to the text?

To establish a global empire

To promote democratic values in other countries.

To achieve economic dominance over its neighbors.

To secure its borders and protect its citizens. (correct)

What does the text suggest is a primary objective of foreign policy?

To protect the sovereignty and independence of the home territory. Signup and view all the answers

Why might a state consider the interests of its neighboring states as part of its core national interest?

To avoid military conflict. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between short-range and middle-range objectives of a state?

Short-range objectives are immediate and tactical, while middle-range objectives are longer-term and strategic. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key factor that influences the middle-range objectives of a state?

The level of economic and technological progress of the state. Signup and view all the answers

Why is international interaction crucial for achieving social welfare and economic development, according to the text?

It allows states to share resources and expertise. Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest is a key aspect of interdependence between states?

Trade and foreign aid. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common demand that people place on their governments, according to the text?

To provide jobs and income. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Core Values and Interests

Core values and interests are goals for which people are willing to make ultimate sacrifices, and they become articles of faith that are accepted without questioning.
They are often related to the self-preservation of political and economic systems, people, culture, and territorial integrity of a state.
Core interests and values are short-range objectives, as other goals cannot be realized if the existence of the state and its political units are not ensured.

Definition and Examples

The exact definition of core value or interest in a country depends on the attitudes of those who make foreign policy.
Some governments place great value on controlling or defending neighboring territories to increase capabilities or ensure territorial integrity.
Examples include colonialism, where direct acquisition of foreign soil and people was believed to bolster the capability and economic needs of the colonial power.
Modern examples include Israel and the United States, which pursue extraterritoriality policies, projecting national interest and claims beyond geographic boundaries.

National Interest and Security

States may consider national interest at risk when the interests and security of citizens, kin ethnic or religious groups living in neighboring states and other states are threatened.
Liberating or protecting the interests of such individuals and groups may be considered part of the core national interest.
The most essential objective of any foreign policy is to ensure sovereignty and independence of the home territory and to perpetuate a particular political, social, and economic system.

Middle Range Objectives

Middle range objectives vary across states due to differences in economic and technological progress, military capability, and domestic needs and expectations.
States aim to take actions that have the highest impact on domestic economic and welfare needs and expectations.
This includes attempts to meet economic-betterment demands and needs through international action, such as trade, foreign aid, access to communication facilities, sources of supply, and foreign markets.

Description

Learn about core values and interests, including their relation to political and economic systems, and their role in self-preservation. Discover how they become ultimate goals that people are willing to make sacrifices for.