ABSTRACT
As the decline of America’s position in the world becomes obvious to the observer of international reality, the re-examination of our national interest does not seem to need special justification. [. . .] But the concept of the national interest, celebrated by its champions as “the main signpost that helps political realism through the landscape of international politics”,1
proves elusive. Scholars who try to clarify the concept also appear to be at a loss, since the conflicting demands made in the name of the national interest clearly defy a substantive definition of its content.2 Three strategies come to mind, by which the scientist of our day might deal with this embarrassment.
