3: Defintions

Question 1

National Interest:

Answer 1

Refers to the key goals and objectives of a state. National interest tends to be more representative in democratic states, whereas the CCP determines the state interests of China.

Question 2

Security:

Answer 2

Although traditionally referring to the immediate protection of a state’s borders, security now encompasses notions of economic, environmental and collective security. A state’s national security needs now extend beyond its direct boundaries and includes factors such as accessing resources and protecting military alliances.

Question 3

Idealism:

Answer 3

When policy preferences and decisions are based on moral and ethical values rather than practical ones.

Question 4

Pragmatism:

Answer 4

When policy preferences and decisions are based on practical considerations rather than moral or ethical ones. China abandoned many of its ‘idealist’ communist roots because they are not very economically practical.