Impact of National Interest on Government Policies: Special Reference to Ancient Greek Foreign Diplomacies With Persia During the Peloponnesian War.

Abstract

Ancient Greece and Persia had complicated diplomatic contacts in history before the conquests of Alexander in 323 BCE. Greek city-states functioned as politically independent governments while Persia was considered an empire during the time. A major rivalry occurred between Greek city-states and Persia in 499 BCE with the outbreak of the Persian wars, that resulted in continuous encounters between them after the Greek victory over Persia. The consequences of the Persian Wars resulted in many socio-political changes in Greece and led to the outbreak of the Peloponnesian Wars (431-405 BCE) led by Sparta against Athens. The research aims to analyse significant governmental decisions made by Greek city-states with Persia during this period, which exemplify the fact that the national interest of a country shapes the government policies depending on the circumstances. The research adopted a historical method under qualitative research methodology to collect and analyse these, and modern research approaches were incorporated under the eclectic method to understand the current reading. Greek historians Herodotus and Thucydides whose anecdotes are based on the above wars, reveal this intricate interplay in governmental decisions of each city-state depending on the national interest of the country, revealing the primacy of national interest in influencing governmental decisions and foreign policies of a country. By examining how Greek city-states formed unwritten codes in their alliances and enmities with Persia in expectation of strategic advantage, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the complexities formed in ancient diplomatic relations while addressing the significance of national interest as a driving force behind governmental actions. Ancient Greek diplomacy, especially in the context of the Peloponnesian War, showcases the principles of realpolitiks, politics driven by practical and material considerations rather than ideological ones, setting an example for modern policymakers of the importance of strategic interests in international relations.