Interes narodowy i racja stanu a polityka (rozważania pojęciowe)
National Interest and Reason of State and Politics (conceptual considerations)

Summary/Abstract: Notions such as national interest, interest of the state, raison d’etat are now quite often and excessively used for excusing unpopular among people decisions made by various political entities, in the name of particular party interests. The article attempts to explain the concepts in question, to show their common and different meanings and understanding in the context of the provisions of the Basic Law, i.e. the Constitution of the Republic of Poland. It was pointed out that in contemporary reality, the basis for planning and implementing state policy in all areas of its functioning (external and internal) constitutes national interest and raison d’etat, which should be the superior priority of the government. The experience of past years indicates that it was not always the case. National interest and raison d’état are often used to stay in power and eliminate political opponents for the sake of party objectives, which not always correspond with national goals. Presented examples of the notions: national interest, state interest and reason of state give ability to conclude that the raison d’état is the principle of being guided by the interest of the state, the principle superior to all other principles and goals. Thus, it should be generalized that the raison d’état overrides the national / state interest. Thus, it should be recognized that the raison d’état requires putting the national / state interest above the interest of citizens, because the national / state interest is the state’s goal in the basic sectors of external and internal activity of the authorities, i.e. planning and implementation of the state’s external and internal policy. Thus, the national / state interest is, in a way, an element of the raison d’état. On the other hand, practicing politics is the privilege of political leadership, which should not be guided only by its own particular interests, often party-related in our reality. The needs of the modern day in practicing politics consistent with the raison d’état are not improvisation and bending of reality, but rational planning of strengthening the international position and potential of the state.

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