national fortunes; destiny of a country
Refers to the fate, prosperity, or overall fortunes of a nation, often in a historical or political context.
It was a battle that staked the nation's destiny.
国運の隆盛は国民の努力にかかっている。
The rise of national fortunes depends on the efforts of the people.
Compound of 国 (country) and 運 (fortune, fate). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the kanji combination directly conveys the meaning of a nation's destiny.