---
title: "National Interest Definition and Importance | Model Diplomat"
description: "National interest refers to a state's strategic, economic, and security goals. It's crucial for understanding foreign policy and statecraft."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/national-interest"
---

[New](https://modeldiplomat.com/)

#

Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- National interest is the totality of a state's vital strategic, economic, and security goals that its government pursues to ensure survival, sovereignty, and prosperity.
- How did Hans Morgenthau define national interest?
- What is the difference between vital and secondary national interests?
- How do Constructivists critique the Realist view of national interest?
- How does national interest relate to India's strategic autonomy?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

Go beyond the definition

## Research national interest like a delegate

Model Diplomat's AI drafts position papers, speeches, and country research with real sources — built for MUN and politics students.

## Research it like a delegate

Research on modeldiplomat.com

## Ask a follow-up about national interest

Open a cited briefing in Model Diplomat search — timelines, positions, and sources you can use in committee or exam answers.

[Start research on national interest](https://modeldiplomat.com/search?q=Explain%20national%20interest%20%E2%80%94%20key%20dates%2C%20actors%2C%20positions%2C%20and%20sources)

Example

In 1961, Jawaharlal Nehru co-founded the Non-Aligned Movement at Belgrade, framing non-alignment as the instrument best serving newly independent India's national interest of strategic autonomy amid Cold War bipolarity.

Keep learning

## Go deeper than the definition

Courses

[Exam Ir](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/courses/exam-ir)

[Explore all Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams lessons](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services)[Test yourself with a quiz](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/quiz/civil-services)

## Take national interest beyond the glossary

Ask the AI research engine built for diplomacy — get briefings, position papers, and speeches with sources you can cite in committee.