Moreover, the preservation of cultural heritage represents an important aspect of national interest as it contributes to a nation’s identity, historical continuity, and international reputation. Protecting and promoting cultural heritage, traditions, and historical values not only strengthens national pride among citizens but also enhances a country’s image and soft power in the international arena.

At the same time, regional and international cooperation has become an indispensable component of contemporary national interest. In today’s interconnected world, many challenges cannot be effectively addressed by individual countries alone. Therefore, states increasingly engage with regional and international organizations to promote peace, stability, sustainable development, and mutual benefits through cooperation and collective efforts.

In the modern context, National Interest does not merely refer to the protection of a country’s territory, sovereignty, and security.

Rather, it represents a comprehensive and multidimensional concept that integrates economic, technological, social, health, environmental, cultural, and international cooperation aspects, reflecting a nation’s long-term objectives, priorities, and collective aspirations.

Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of National Interest is crucial for policymakers, researchers, and citizens, as it provides the foundation for developing effective policies, making informed decisions, and promoting the long-term interests and sustainable development of the nation.

Definition of National Interest

National interest refers to the objectives and interests that a state seeks to pursue, protect, and promote in order to ensure the survival and continuity of the nation, safeguard its sovereignty, maintain national security, foster economic development, and improve the well-being and quality of life of its people. In this regard, various scholars have defined and explained the concept of national interest as follows:

Hans J Morgenthau, one of the founders of classical realism, argued that national interest is defined primarily in terms of power. According to this perspective, states have strengthened their political, economic, and military capabilities in order to ensure their survival and security.

According to the British scholar of International Relations, Joseph Frankel, national interest is defined as “the general, long-term, and continuing purpose which the state, the nation, and the government all see themselves as pursuing.” Based on this definition, national interest extends beyond the short-term policies of a government. Rather, it serves as a fundamental objective that guides a nation’s long-term development, security, prosperity, and position in the international community.

Charles O Lerche and Abdul A Said are prominent scholars in the fields of International Relations and Foreign Policy studies who made significant contributions to the understanding of national interest, power politics, and international conflict and cooperation. They conceptualized national interest as a fundamental concept that guides a state’s foreign policy and international behaviour.

In practical terms, national interest can be understood as the combination of political, economic, security, social, cultural and environmental objectives that contribute to the long-term survival and prosperity of a nation.

The Relationship between National Interest and the Culture and Tourism Sectors