raison d'état

American  

[re-zawn dey-ta] / rɛ zɔ̃ deɪˈta /

noun

French.

plural

raisons d'état

1. a purely political reason for governmental action, based on the national interest and often violating principles of justice.

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Etymology

Origin of raison d'état

Literally, “reason of state”

Example Sentences

They believe in no higher cause than raison d’état.

From Washington Post

Speaking to the Knesset in 2008, she said the existence of the Jewish state was part of Germany’s raison d’état and non-negotiable.

From Economist

They wondered at the stubborn elevation of private property over raison d'état, of personal freedom over collective need.

From The Wall Street Journal

For example, that of the extent to which the special relations between the German government and Israel — which under Chancellor Angela Merkel have been elevated to the status of a raison d’état — actually reflects German reality.

From Time

One newcomer making some noise is Raison d’Etat, who has one victory in four starts but has been a different horse under the guidance of his trainer, Bill Mott, since winning his maiden in June at Belmont.

From New York Times