The principle that a state can do anything to protect its interests it known as?

The principle that a state can do anything to protect its interests is known as "realism" in international relations. This perspective emphasizes the pursuit of power and national interests as the primary motivators of state behavior, often prioritizing security and survival over moral considerations. Realists argue that in an anarchic international system, states must act in their own self-interest to ensure their sovereignty and wellbeing.