New Books in Critical Theory Philip Cunliffe, "The National Interest: Politics After Globalization" (Polity Press, 2025)
Aug 2, 2025
Philip Cunliffe, an Associate Professor of International Relations at University College London, dives into the fading concept of national interest amidst the backdrop of globalization. He discusses how political leaders have neglected national interest over the last thirty years, impacting political representation and accountability. Cunliffe critiques contemporary populism, the rise of nationalism, and the complex interplay between national interests and democratic processes, urging a revival of the national interest for democratic renewal and better international cooperation.
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Origin of National Interest Concept
- The national interest concept emerged in the early 1800s alongside the rise of the nation-state.
- It links the aspirations of the nation to how the state represents and meets them domestically and internationally.
National Interest's Cold War Shift
- The national interest shifted from contestable policy to an academic explanatory tool during the Cold War.
- It became restricted, often absorbed by national security interests and bureaucracies, limiting democratic contestation.
Neoliberalism Weakens National Interest
- Neoliberalism contributed to the decline of the national interest by prioritizing markets over state responsibilities.
- International organizations and transnational bodies supplanted national representation, further eroding democratic accountability.