Еssential properties of national interests; classification

Abstract

National interests are multifaceted and multi-aspect phenomenon requiring a structured uniform understanding. According to the most important features, classification contributes to the systematization and refinement of knowledge about national interests, describing them as a holistic category. This allows identifying problems in their implementation, to identify and evaluate threats to national security. In scientific literature, classification of national interests is carried out by using various approaches for various reasons, as well as from the perspective of various branches of science. Above-mentioned makes it difficult to form a unified view of national interests in all their manifestations, taking into account existing interconnections and interdependencies. It often takes place when formal and meaningful description of individual facets and aspects of national interests are mixed. As a result of the study, it is presented that the key properties of national interests allow to be described as a system, that includes structural elements. These essential properties, serve for grouping and structuring the classification of approaches, presented in the theory of national security.