National interests are a foreign policy guiding principle

It is an evident reality of international relations that “when states’ interests converge, cooperation takes place, and when states’ interests diverge, conflict takes place.” In international relations, what matters most is the national interest of states, which is a traditional concept but remains relevant in a globalised world. It largely drives foreign policy and determines the behavior of states even in the 21st century.

The national interests of states are the basic objectives and goals that states consider to be of utmost significance for their survival, security, and growth. States always pursue their national interests irrespective of their history, language, ideology or leadership.