Many of the problems and opportunities facing society today are determined by issues of mobility. Access to people, products, information and resources has emerged as a priority in the foreign policies of most states. Inevitably, considerations of national interest have played a central role in the structure and operations of the international aviation system. Meanwhile, air transport has been a catalyst for the phenomenon of 'globalization.' This first in-depth exploration of the vital relationship between aviation policy and national interest in today's global economy focuses on those areas of concern where the international community has common ground or where conflicts of interest are most likely to arise. Revealing deeply informed perspectives gained from decades of distinguished public service in many areas of aviation policy, the author reviews the rules that govern the conduct of commercial air services between nations and considers the prospects of aviation.