International Relations: Theory and Practice Handout - PDF

International Relations: Theory and Practice Handout for Lecture 7 Lecture Topic National Interest (Continued from Lecture 6) Variations in National Interest There are different types of national interest. Some of the salient ones are described below: Primary Interests: preservation of...

International Relations: Theory and Practice Handout for Lecture 7 Lecture Topic National Interest (Continued from Lecture 6) Variations in National Interest There are different types of national interest. Some of the salient ones are described below: Primary Interests: preservation of physical, political and cultural identity of the nation-state. Secondary Interests: protection of citizens abroad and ensuring diplomatic immunity of foreign missions. Permanent Interests: long-term interests of strategic, ideological or economic nature which do not change easily, with changes in domestic politics, for example Variable Interests: these are short-term interests varying with cross-currents of personalities, public opinion, partisan politics, sectional interests etc. General Interests: involve a large number of nations, such as economic interests or diplomatic norms. Specific Interests: location and issue specific interests emerging from more general interests (bilateral terms of trade for example). Identical Interests: interests held in common by different states (climate protection concerns) Complementary Interests: though not identical, these interests can serve as basis for agreement on specific issues (US-Pakistan security cooperation). Conflicting Interests: bring countries at odds with each other. Yet these interests can also undergo change due to varying internal circumstances and a changing external scenario. 19 Means to Promote National Interests Coercive Means: these can be internal so that they don’t infringe directly on other sovereign nations (embargos, boycotts, severing diplomatic relations) or they can be external and are a prima facie act of war (seizure of property of offending state, suspension of treaties), if the other state responds with escalating moves, it leads to an outbreak of war. Alliances: based on complementary or identical interests and strengthened by ideology, alliances can promote national interest. Diplomatic Negotiations: common interests are most effectively perpetuated by means of diplomacy. Diplomacy is also useful in negotiating conflicting national interests without resorting to coercive means. National vs. Global Interests Given the complexities of international politics, Morgenthau for e.g. opposes state action based on universal principles, instead he advocates a pragmatic approach of acting based on national interests. Yet, issues of global concern like growing inequalities and environmental problems require world leaders to think beyond the narrow ambit of national interests. The world is also becoming increasing interconnected due to which national interests often exert an influence on global interests and global interests to some degree also compel national interests. Relevant Vocabulary Coercive elements: potentially destructive elements which can lead to escalating tensions or cause outbreak of violence Scenario: existing situation Partisan: division into factions or different parties Perpetuated: affected or enabled Ideological: based on an ideology or belief system Ambit: realm, domain or field Inequalities: the gap between the haves and the have nots Compel: oblige or influence 20 Suggested Readings Students are advised to read the following chapters to develop a better understanding of the various principals highlighted in this hand-out: Chapter 3 in ‘“A Study of International Relations” by Dr. Sultan Khan. Internet Resources In addition to reading from the textbook, please visit the following web-pages for this lecture, which provide useful and interesting information: Promoting the National Interest www.foreignaffairs.org/20000101faessay5/condoleezza-rice/ campaign-2000- promoting-the-national-interest.html 21