National Interests
November 1, 2024•316 words
"The predominant yardstick of your government is not human rights but national interests." ~ Breyten Breytenbach
"The reputation of those countries which cater to the foreign policy interests of other states at the expense of their own national interests will go down regardless of how they explain their actions." ~ Vladimir Putin
"In some cases, in order to protect global issues some sacrifice for national interest is worth it in the long run. Global warming, these things, they suffer everybody." ~ Dalai Lama
"Politics is the art of making your selfish desires seem like the national interest." ~ Thomas Sowell
Nations always secure their own interests such as power, wealth, and protection from threats.
Nation-states create alliances, influence other countries, and even take part, directly and indirectly in conflicts/wars, all with the intention of becoming stronger.
The United States, China, and Russia, all have their own strategies for securing power.
The U.S. forms alliances and engages in proxy wars to protect its economic and security interests, constantly creating strains with other countries like Iran and North Korea.
China, with its ambitious Belt and Road Initiative, spreads its influence, lending money to other countries to build roads and ports throughout the global south, especially African countries. This foreign policy strengthens China’s position.
When national interest turns into ultranationalism, conflicts arise and resentment sets in, especially in places where deep hatred already exist, as in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Both peoples claim the land is based on their histories, identities and myths. Ultranationalism leads tensions that can erupt into extreme violence, to the darkest shadows of human hatred, ethnic cleansing and genocide.
Every nation has symbols and stories that connect people to their national identity. However, such symbols can become divisive when used to claim superiority over others.
National interest is natural, but when it spirals into unchecked nationalism, it threatens human rights and peace.