What is national interest?

• A. The domestic policy agenda.
• B. The goals and objectives of the U.S. in foreign affairs, promoting security, economic prosperity, and values.
• C. A list of treaties.
• D. The budget for foreign aid.

Answer: (B)

National interest is the goals a country pursues in its foreign relations. For the United States, this centers on maintaining security, promoting economic prosperity, and advancing values like democracy and human rights. These aims guide which policies, alliances, and actions the country chooses on the world stage, shaping its overall approach to international affairs. That’s why describing national interest as the goals and objectives of the U.S. in foreign affairs—promoting security, economic prosperity, and values—best fits, because it captures the broad purpose behind foreign policy decisions rather than focusing on internal politics, a specific set of treaties, or a single budget item. The domestic policy agenda pertains to internal governance, a list of treaties is just instruments states sign, and the foreign aid budget is a tool used to pursue interests, not the definition of national interest itself.