National Interest and Ideology in Foreign Policy: A Critical Examination Introduction The study of international relations has historically revolved around the centrality of national interest as the guiding principle of foreign policy. National interest, often conceived in terms of security, survival, and material well-being, is frequently posited as the rational and objective core of state … Continue reading Critically examine the relationship between national interest and ideology, and evaluate how their interaction shapes the formulation of foreign policy, the conduct of international relations, and the pursuit of state power in the global political order.