On National Interest and Foreign Policy: A Conceptual Analysis

Abstract

This is a conceptual paper that explores the relevance of national interest to the understanding of foreign policy projection of nation-state in the field of international relations. The overall objective of the paper is to examine the conceptual meaning of national interest, its relevance and usefulness to the foreign policy of nation-states in their dealings with other states in the international system. The problem of interpretation and misinterpretation by scholars, leaders and decision makers alike on how national interest influences and direct the nature and pattern of nation-state’s foreign policy has been in contention for long.  In reality it has been observed that most statesmen and political elites do abuse the term by substituting it with “personal interest,” with little or no regards for the public opinion. The study applied descriptive method of content analysis. Data were gotten from secondary sources like textbooks, academic journals and internet sourced materials.  As a way forward the paper suggested that state agents should always endeavor to carry the public along on vital issues that affect foreign relations, through constant information, recruitment of qualified personnel, and capacity building for those in charge of managing the nation’s foreign affairs.