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Concept information

Preferred term

raison d'état  

Definition

  • Raison d'état is a French phrase, loosely translated as “reason for being,” often used to describe a state's national interests or goals. Historically, the main raison d'état of any state was protecting one's survival, which theorists and political leaders asserted was best ensured by expanding the power of the state through military territorial conquests or acquisition of greater economic resources. [Source: The Encyclopedia of Political Science; Raison d'État]

Broader concept

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URI

http://data.loterre.fr/ark:/67375/N9J-FMBJZ7CF-3

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