A Importância dos Interesses Nacionais no Desenvolvimento das Nações

Alberto Mudjadju"

National interest refers to a country's objectives, needs, and priorities regarding its security, economy, politics, and the well-being of its citizens. It is a concept that can vary depending on the context and specific circumstances of each nation. States are political units created through a social contract. Social contract theory is a philosophical idea that suggests states are created through an agreement between individuals who wish to establish a safer and more organized society. According to this theory, individuals give up some of their rights and freedoms in exchange for protection and security provided by the state. This theory is influential in political philosophy and continues to be debated and discussed by scholars. States have the traditional objectives of: promoting security for their citizens, as it plays a fundamental role in promoting security for citizens, ensuring the protection of their lives, property, and rights; administering justice; and promoting social welfare. There is a strong relationship between the objectives and interests of the state, as the materialization of the state's objectives ensures its existence and survival.

In major discussions, there is still no consensus on the definition of national interest, but it has often been defined as the set of motivations, aspirations, rationale, and essence of the State, which are easily identified in the Constitution of the Republic. National interests can also be seen as the perceptions and priorities of governments; a hierarchy of state imperatives in the international system; and a matter of utmost importance for the existence and survival of States. National interests can be classified into three branches: importance, duration, and scope. In terms of importance, they can be seen as supreme, vital, strategic, tactical, primary, or secondary; in terms of duration, they are permanent or variable; finally, in terms of scope, they can be general, specific, common, complementary, and conflicting. Supreme national interests are defined by the importance they represent for the survival and identity of the State, which in turn will defend them using all the means and resources at its disposal. In this dynamic, the people also do not hesitate to defend supreme interests, because if they are questioned they can lead to violent or armed conflict. They are above other interests in the hierarchy of the State's motivations and represent the highest aspects of the State's survival as a political unit.

Next, we have vital national interests, which reflect the conditions of existence of the State as a political unit. Neglecting them can lead to its disintegration and failure. Vital interests include aspects such as national unity, territorial integrity, and strategic advantages. They are linked to the preservation of political units; the people do not hesitate to make sacrifices when these are challenged. Strategic interests emerge from matters that do not immediately threaten national security, well-being, and tranquility. When neglected, they can negatively impact vital and supreme interests. Tactical national interests are associated with development programs and policies, enabling the realization of other interests. Neglected, they reduce the legitimacy of State institutions. They arise from a range of activities carried out by the State and its citizens across borders. They enable the State's operations, international norms, and principles to be ensured. They guarantee the status of diplomats, military officers, and State property. They establish mechanisms and channels of communication between governments and peoples, and are ensured by officials stationed at diplomatic missions through their daily work.

Regarding secondary interests, we highlight the following: they are defined according to their role in realizing vital interests, contribute to the realization of vital interests, and are replaceable by others; they do not require the use of military means, force, or violence to achieve them. Permanent national interests are constant over time and vary slowly over time, for example: borders. While variable interests are defined taking into account the context and the prevailing situation, they change constantly. For example: public policies.

Throughout the world, it is important for every citizen to know the national interests of their State, as this allows for conscious civic participation (making informed decisions and participating in debates about their nation); responsible citizenship (understanding priorities and contributing to social well-being); and personal development (informed voting and influencing public policies).

2025/12/3