The Necessities of National Interests in Islamic Republic of Iran

The concept of national interest was first used by realists such as Morgenta as the only factor which determines the behavior of governments in the international arena. With the emergence of behaviorism as a discipline in international relations and in the wake of decision - making theories, the mental priorities held by decision makers were considered to be more important than environmental exigencies in regulating national interests. Meanwhile, a group of experts from both sides, denied the efficiency of this concept in the analysis of the international behavior of governments. On the other hand, side by side with the changes occurring in the international relations, some proponents of the concept of national interst have endeavored to render a new definition of the concept and defend its necessity to the extent that even under globalization one cannot neglect its effect. The article gives a brief account of the history of the development of this concept and discusses favorably of its necessity and implications in the Islamic Republic of Iran under such titles as the conceptual ripeness of national interest, solving ideological conflicts, environmental and regional exigencies, the international order and American hegemony, and finally the democratic aspect of this identity.