raison d'état

The principle that a government may justify actions that might otherwise be unethical or illegal on grounds of national necessity or state interest. The concept, theorized by Cardinal Richelieu (17th century), underpins realpolitik. It raises fundamental questions in political philosophy and international law about the limits of sovereignty, state violence, and moral constraints on government.

“La raison d'État a souvent été invoquée pour justifier des décisions politiques difficiles.”

In English: “Reason of state has often been invoked to justify difficult political decisions.”