The CSS 2026 essay titled “Nations Have No Permanent Friends and Enemies, They Have Only Permanent Interests” is published on CSSPrepForum after a comprehensive review by Sir Syed Kazim Ali, Pakistan’s top CSS and PMS English essay mentor with a proven track record of student success. Indeed, this essay convincingly argues that, in international relations, state behaviour is driven by national interests rather than emotional bonds of friendship or enmity, rooted in the classic realist maxim that diplomatic ties shift as interests evolve, as illustrated by examples from historical and contemporary geopolitics, such as shifting alliances and strategic cooperation. Moreover, from a realpolitik perspective, it emphasises how nations prioritise economic, security, and strategic goals to maximise their global standing and safeguard sovereignty. Hence, by publishing this essay on CSSPrepForum, Sir Kazim aims to provide all CSS aspirants with a well-structured essay sample in presenting complex IR concepts with structured arguments and relevant examples, making it an essential CSS essay preparation resource for competitive exams and high‑scoring English essays.

Understanding the Essay’s Key Ideas

The essay “Nations Have No Permanent Friends and Enemies, They Have Only Permanent Interests” asserts that international relations are governed not by ideology, historical alliances, or enduring friendships, but by enduring national interests. While some argue that shared values or long-term partnerships determine global diplomacy, history and contemporary geopolitics show that states constantly recalibrate alliances and rivalries to protect security, expand influence, and pursue economic advantage.

The essay begins with the explanation of the realist school of thought, which places national interest at the core of foreign policy. Specifically, realism posits that states act primarily to ensure survival, safeguard security, and maintain strategic leverage. Consequently, alliances and enmities are fluid, with states aligning temporarily to meet immediate threats or opportunities. Therefore, national interest, rather than ideology or sentiment, is the ultimate determinant of diplomatic behavior.

Historically, alliances and rivalries have shifted according to changing global dynamics. For example, states often cooperate with former adversaries when strategic or economic interests align while partnerships based on ideology can dissolve when circumstances demand. Furthermore, the essay emphasizes that trade, security concerns, and geopolitical realities drive these adjustments. In particular, economic interests, such as access to markets, energy, and technology, frequently reshape relationships even among former foes, highlighting the pragmatic foundations of diplomacy.

Moreover, the essay describes why national interest overrides friendships and hostilities. In practice, states prioritize survival and security, recalibrating alliances in response to emerging threats or leadership changes. For instance, wartime coalitions dissolve once objectives are achieved, and existential risks can compel cooperation with rivals. Additionally, globalization intensifies competition for resources and influence, making it essential for states to adapt alliances dynamically to secure long-term advantages.

However, opponents argue that ideology, shared values, and historical ties can sustain stable international relations. The essay counters this argument by showing that rhetoric often masks pragmatic decision-making: even longstanding partnerships are tested by trade disputes, strategic divergence, or changing leadership. Thus, actions, rather than stated intentions, reveal that national interest consistently drives foreign policy, illustrating the fluidity and adaptability of global diplomacy.

At the end, the essay asserts that enduring national interests, rather than permanent friends or enemies, define international relations. Accordingly, states continuously adjust alliances, rivalries, and strategic alignments to protect security, advance economic goals, and navigate evolving geopolitical landscapes. Ultimately, history confirms that flexibility and pragmatism, guided by national interest, are the true constants of global politics, proving that permanent interests, not enduring relationships, shape nations’ behavior.

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For aspirants who refuse to settle for average performance, CSSPrepForum goes far beyond being just an online platform. It is a guiding mentor, a transformative movement, and a clear roadmap to competitive success. Through consistent engagement with CPF’s extensive repository of CSS essays and solved CSS essays, aspirants develop the ability to analyze issues deeply, articulate arguments with conviction, and present their ideas with examiner-oriented precision, ultimately enabling them to stand confidently among the top performers in the CSS examination and other competitive exams.