national interest

American  

[nash-uh-nuhl in-trist] / ˈnæʃ ə nəl ˈɪn trɪst /

noun

plural

national interests

1. the interest, concern, or benefit of the whole nation as opposed to that of any particular group, party, etc., within the nation, especially with reference to international affairs or global economy.

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Example Sentences

The Gulf state said its decision follows a review of its production policy, based on national interest and market needs.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026

Tide tables have become the stuff of national interest, and rare moments when the exhausted whale has blown water or flapped its fin have warranted breaking news bulletins.

From Barron's • Apr. 23, 2026

"I make my decisions based on what's in the British national interest and not what other people say or do," Sir Keir said when asked by the BBC about the president's comments on Thursday.

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

In an op-ed for the Guardian last week, Starmer wrote: “Britain’s national interest is best served by de-escalation, diplomacy, and the swift reopening of the strait of Hormuz.”

From Slate • Apr. 13, 2026

Europe might contain all the cultural capitals and current world powers, but in terms of America's national interest, it was a mere sideshow and distraction.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis