Early Modern Europe – 1450 to 1750
Raison d'état, or 'reason of state,' refers to the principle that the interests of the state take precedence over moral or ethical considerations. This idea became particularly prominent in political discourse during the Early Modern period, as rulers justified actions taken for the perceived benefit and security of their state, often at the expense of individual rights or ethical norms. This concept is critical to understanding how political leaders navigated complex international relations and domestic governance during times of conflict and transition.
congrats on reading the definition of raison d'état. now let's actually learn it.