As stated above, national Interest is one of the most fundamental concepts in international relations and public policy, and it encompasses the long-term goals, priorities, and aspirations that guide a state’s domestic and foreign policies in protecting its sovereignty, ensuring national security, promoting economic prosperity, preserving its cultural identity, improving the well-being of its citizens, and achieving sustainable national development. While the traditional understanding of national interest primarily focused on military strength, territorial integrity, and political security, the concept has evolved significantly in response to globalization, technological advancement, and increasing international interdependence. Today, culture and tourism are widely recognized as strategic sectors that contribute directly to the realization of a nation’s national interests.

Culture as a Strategic Component of National Interest

Culture is the fundamental pillar of a nation’s national identity, representing its history, cultural heritage, language, arts, traditions and customs, beliefs, and way of life. Therefore, preserving, protecting, and promoting cultural heritage has become an essential component of the national interest.

The preservation and safeguarding of ancient cultural heritage, historical cities, historic buildings, museums, traditional arts, literature, languages, religious heritage, and traditional knowledge passed down from generation to generation constitute a significant foundation for strengthening a nation’s historical identity, cultural values, and national identity. These cultural heritages represent a nation’s historical experiences, the values and beliefs of its people, and their traditional ways of life. Therefore, preserving and promoting such heritage can enhance public awareness, appreciation, patriotism, and national pride toward one’s country and cultural identity.

Furthermore, the effective preservation and promotion of cultural heritage not only enable younger generations to better understand their historical roots and cultural identity but also provide an important means of introducing and showcasing the unique cultural characteristics of a nation to the international community. Such cultural preservation efforts play a vital role in strengthening national unity, promoting cultural values within society, and enhancing a country’s Soft Power and international image. Moreover, culture is an important source of soft power. Through cultural diplomacy, cultural exchange programs, art exhibitions, cultural festivals, educational cooperation, and creative industries, a nation can introduce its cultural values to the world while enhancing international trust, friendship, and influence. Therefore, the preservation and promotion of culture play a strategic role in advancing a country’s foreign policy objectives and safeguarding its national interests.

Furthermore, culture has become an increasingly important instrument of soft power. Unlike military or economic power, soft power enables countries to influence others through attraction rather than coercion.

Cultural diplomacy, international cultural exchanges, art exhibitions, festivals, educational cooperation, and creative industries help improve a country’s international image and foster mutual understanding among nations.

Countries with rich cultural heritage often enjoy greater international recognition and are able to strengthen diplomatic relations through cultural cooperation. Consequently, investment in cultural preservation and promotion directly supports a country’s foreign policy objectives and enhances its global standing.

The Importance of the Tourism Sector for National Interest