What Do You Know About The Development Of The Concept Of National Interest?

The concept of national interest is comparatively a new concept. In the ancient and the medieval limes also the slates pursued certain substantial interests on the basis of which their relations were conducted. 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 etc. conformed 10 these principles. However with the emergence of the secular power 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 aggrandizement of his house.

But in course of time the popular bodies challenged the authority of the monarchs and asserted themselves. This resulted in the growth of democracy and the "honor of the Prince was replaced by the honor of the nation". Thus the concept passed from the feudal and monarchical system to the republic and democratic system and soon gained a 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, increase in popular political control and the great expansion of economic relations.

The concept of national interest is comparatively a new concept. In the ancient and the medieval limes also the slates pursued certain substantial interests on the basis of which their relations were conducted. 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 etc. Conformed 10 these principles. However with the emergence of the secular power 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 aggrandizement of his house.

But in course of time the popular bodies challenged the authority of the monarchs and asserted themselves. This resulted in the growth of democracy and the "honor of the Prince was replaced by the honor of the nation". Thus the concept passed from the feudal and monarchical system to the republic and democratic system and soon gained a 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, increase in popular political control and the great expansion of economic relations.