Can “intangible” interests such as national honor, morale, and reputation be deemed “vital”? Can they be considered an essential part of a policy that seeks to defend traditional security interests? Donald Kagan begins the discussion with a panoramic view of honor, interest, and the nation-state. William C. Wohlforth looks at Russia’s foreign policy since 1600 and its definition of national interests. Daniel J. Mahoney examines the foreign policy of De Gaulle’s France. And Karl Walling looks into how the early American statesmen—especially Alexander Hamilton—balanced interest and honor. Respondents are Peter W. Rodman, Charles H. Fairbanks, Jr., Francis Fukuyama, and Robert Kagan.