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Uploaded byThom Gibbs
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Liberalism in International Relations

Liberalism serves as an alternative to realism, emphasizing interdependence among states influenced by globalization and the complexities of contemporary global relations. It posits that non-state actors and a range of issues beyond military security have become vital components of international interactions, which are characterized by multiple channels of communication and influence. The decline of military effectiveness in achieving state interests encourages cooperation among states, particularly in a democratic context where multiple perspectives and interests must be considered.

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Liberalism
What is liberalism? • Liberalism is the most commonly accepted alternative theoretical perspective to realism • Liberalism emphasizes interdependence between states: Ties and relationships between states have decreased the usefulness of military power.
• Liberalism was developed in the 1970s as many experts began to argue that realism was an old concept • Due to globalization, the rise of global communications and an increase in international trade meant that states could no longer rely on simple power politics to decide matters • Cosmopolitan morality rather than balance of power • Humanity benefits from a peaceful international order – nations can develop and trade which leads to progress
States aren’t the only important actors in International Relations • International organizations: EU, UN and African Union • Societies and states have become so connected by the end of the 20th century that the way they relate to each other has changed in significant ways
Interdependence • States and their fortunes are connected with each other • What happens in one state can have affects on another state • Relations between two states can greatly affect relation between other states
Haven’t states always been connected? • Liberalism suggests a particular and specific kind of interdependence characterized by modern international system
Complex interdependence Robert Keohane & Joseph Nye • Multiple channels • In international politics there are multiple channels connecting the societies, including all the interstate, trans-governmental, and transnational transactions • Multiple issues • Security is not the most important issue. State and non-state actors deal with a variety issues in a world with the line between domestic and foreign policy is blurred. Any issue can be the most important for a state • Decline in use and effectiveness of military force • Due to military cost being very costly and uncertain, it has begun to decline in importance. It cannot be completely ignored, but it is not the ultimate necessity to achieve survival
Non-state actors in global politics • Transnational corporations e.g. McDonalds, Apple, Nike • NGO’s e.g. Catholic Church, Red Cross, Amnesty International • Intergovernmental organisations e.g. United Nations (UN), European Union (EU), African Union (AU) • All important international connections across state boundaries
A COMPLEX WEB OF INTERCONNECTIONS • If we just focus on state to state relations, then we miss a very important part of global politics! • -States are not the only actors to have interests that drive their actions • -Non-state actors have own goals and interests that may differ to those of state
These global actors have a variety of interests • States are not only interested in military security • Economic, ideological, religious and cultural issues are part of the global agenda • Even issues that realists would see as purely domestic can have an effect on the global system • e.g. Environmental regulations may be adopted by a state to protect its own citizens but may affect trading partners if imports must meet new regulations • So domestic policy can become foreign policy as a result of connections between issues, channels and interdependence between actors
The decline of military • Complex interdependence means military force is not as effective or frequently used as in the past • Many issues of concern to states and non state actors are not military – climate change? • Complete interdependence means states are constrained in use of military power because this power only harms multiple interests of states and other actors
Multiple channels, multiple issues and decline in military mean that…
States cooperate because it’s in their interests to do so!
• States realise that hostile actions are likely to harm their interests as much as those of any potential rival • The multiple channels that connect non-state actors constrain states • Even if leaders recognise security threats and want to employ conflictual means, they often face resistance from public or powerful interest groups
The relationship between Liberalism and democracy • In democracies, where opposition is legal and citizens can hold their leaders to account, multiple channels are more likely to constrain leaders from conflict • According to liberal theory, the effects of complex interdependence will be more significant in a more democratic world
Other factors for increased complex interdependence are… • Spread of democracy – decolonisation • Nuclear weapons – the risk! • End of WW2 – The end of facism in Germany and Japan • Wealth redistribution – Asian Tigers (Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan), MNC’s • Technological developments as a result of globalisation