International Relation Theory

1. LIBERALISM

2. Definition
 Liberalism is a political and economic doctrine that emphasizes individual autonomy,
equality of opportunity, and the protection of individual rights (primarily to life, liberty, and
property), originally against the state and later against both the state and private economic
actors, including businesses.
 A political and social philosophy that promotes individual rights, civil liberties, democracy,
and free enterprise.

3. HISTORY OF LIBERALISM
o Enlightenment Thinkers: The ideas that underpin liberalism in international relations can be
traced back to the Enlightenment period in the 17th and 18th centuries. Thinkers like Immanuel
Kant and John Locke developed concepts of natural rights, individual liberties, and the social
contract, which influenced the later development of liberal thought in international relations.
o Peace of Westphalia (1648): The Peace of Westphalia marked a turning point in international
relations by establishing the principle of state sovereignty and non-interference in domestic
affairs. This recognition of state autonomy laid the groundwork for the later liberal emphasis on
respecting the rights of individual states.

4. HISTORY OF LIBERALISM
o The League of Nations: After World War I, the League of Nations was established as the first
global intergovernmental organization to promote peace and resolve conflicts through
diplomacy and collective security. Although the League had limitations and ultimately failed to
prevent World War II, it reflected the emerging liberal belief in the power of international
institutions to promote cooperation and maintain peace.
o The United Nations: Following World War II, the United Nations was founded in 1945 as a
successor to the League of Nations. The UN became a key platform for liberal ideas, with a focus
on human rights, collective security, and international cooperation. Its Charter embodied liberal
principles and aimed to prevent future wars through dialogue and negotiation.

5. HISTORY OF LIBERALISM
o Cold War and the Spread of Liberal Democracy: The ideological rivalry between the United
States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War influenced the development of liberalism in
international relations. The United States championed liberal democratic values and institutions
as an alternative to communism, promoting democracy and human rights worldwide.
o Neoliberal Institutionalism: In the 1970s and 1980s, scholars like Robert Keohane and Joseph
Nye developed neoliberal institutionalism, a strand of liberal thought that emphasized the role
of international institutions and norms in facilitating cooperation and mitigating conflicts. Their
work highlighted the importance of institutions such as the World Trade Organization and the
World Bank in shaping global politics.

6. HISTORY OF LIBERALISM
o Liberalization of the Global Economy: The liberalization of trade and finance in the latter half of
the 20th century, including the establishment of regional trade agreements and the rise of
globalization, further influenced the liberal perspective in international relations. Liberal
theorists argued that economic interdependence and the free flow of goods and capital would
promote cooperation and reduce conflicts.
o Humanitarian Intervention and Responsibility to Protect (R2P): In recent decades, the liberal
perspective has also been associated with the concept of humanitarian intervention and the
responsibility of the international community to protect civilians in cases of mass atrocities or
human rights abuses. This reflects a growing emphasis on human rights and the moral
imperative to prevent and alleviate suffering.

7. EXPLANATION
• Emphasis on Cooperation: Liberalism emphasizes the importance of cooperation among states
and other international actors as a means to achieve common goals and resolve conflicts.
• Role of Institutions: Liberals believe that international institutions play a crucial role in
facilitating cooperation, managing conflicts, and establishing rules and norms that guide state
behavior.
• Interdependence and Globalization: Liberals highlight the interdependence among states, both
economically and socially, and argue that globalization has increased the incentives for
cooperation and peaceful interactions.
• Respect for Individual Rights: Liberalism places a strong emphasis on individual rights and
freedoms, advocating for the protection and promotion of human rights at the international
level.

8. EXPLANATION
• Democracy and Governance: Liberals argue that democratic governance provides a
foundation for peaceful international relations, as democratic states are more likely to
engage in cooperative behavior and respect the rule of law.
• Peaceful Conflict Resolution: Liberal theorists reject the notion that conflict and war are
inevitable, instead advocating for non-violent means of resolving disputes through
diplomacy, negotiation, and international law.
• Promotion of Liberal Values: Liberals believe in promoting liberal values, including
democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, both within states and at the international
level, as a means to foster peace and stability.
• Multilateralism and Collective Security: Liberals often support multilateral approaches to
global challenges, emphasizing collective security arrangements and cooperation through
international organizations.

9. EXPLANATION
• Free Trade and Economic Liberalism: Liberalism in international relations also encompasses the
belief in free trade and economic liberalism, advocating for open markets and the removal of
barriers to commerce.
• Humanitarian Intervention: Some liberal theorists support the idea of humanitarian
intervention, arguing that there is a responsibility to protect populations from mass atrocities
and human rights abuses.
• Soft Power: Liberals recognize the power of attraction and persuasion, known as soft power, as
a means to influence international relations and promote desired outcomes.

10. TYPES
 Classical Liberalism: Classical liberalism emphasizes individual rights, limited government
intervention, and free-market economics. In international relations, classical liberals advocate
for free trade, open markets, and the protection of individual liberties in global affairs.
 Liberal Institutionalism: Liberal institutionalism, also known as neoliberal institutionalism,
focuses on the importance of international institutions in shaping and regulating state behavior.
It argues that institutions such as the United Nations, World Trade Organization, or regional
organizations play a crucial role in promoting cooperation, resolving conflicts, and enhancing
global governance.
 Democratic Peace Theory: Democratic peace theory suggests that democracies are less likely
to go to war with one another. Liberal scholars argue that democratic governments tend to share
common values, have a system of checks and balances, and are accountable to their citizens,
which contributes to peaceful relations among democracies.

11. TYPES
 Economic Liberalism: Economic liberalism, also referred to as economic interdependence theory,
emphasizes the benefits of economic integration and cooperation. It asserts that increased economic
interdependence through trade, investment, and globalization leads to peace and stability among
nations.
 Cosmopolitan Liberalism: Cosmopolitan liberalism emphasizes the importance of global citizenship
and human rights. It argues for the protection of universal human rights and promotes the idea that
individuals have obligations and responsibilities beyond their own nation-state.
 Liberal Interventionism: Liberal interventionism, also known as humanitarian intervention, asserts
that liberal states have a moral obligation to intervene in other countries to protect human rights,
prevent mass atrocities, or promote democracy. This perspective often justifies military interventions
or other forms of intervention for humanitarian purposes.
 Constructivist Liberalism: Constructivist liberalism focuses on the role of ideas, norms, and
identities in shaping international relations. It argues that international norms, such as human rights
or democracy, can influence state behavior and shape international institutions.

12. CRITICISM
 Oversimplification of State Behavior: Critics argue that liberalism tends to oversimplify state
behavior by assuming that states primarily act based on shared norms, cooperation, and
common interests. This overlooks the complex motivations and power dynamics that influence
states' actions, such as the pursuit of national security or economic advantage.
 Neglect of Power Politics: Critics contend that liberalism overlooks the significance of power
politics and the role of military capabilities in international relations. While liberalism
emphasizes cooperation and peaceful resolutions, it may underestimate the inherent
competition and potential for conflict among states vying for power and influence.
 Cultural Bias and Imposition of Values: Some argue that liberalism, as predominantly rooted in
Western democratic ideals, may carry a cultural bias. Critics assert that promoting liberal values
worldwide, often through interventions or democratization efforts, can be seen as a form of
cultural imperialism or as disregarding local contexts and preferences.

13. CRITICISM
 Economic Inequality and Exploitation: Critics point out that liberalism's focus on free markets
and globalization can lead to economic inequality and exploitation, both within and between
states. The liberal emphasis on unrestricted trade and investment may disadvantage weaker
states or perpetuate exploitative economic relationships.
 Inability to Address Security Concerns: Liberalism's emphasis on cooperation and
interdependence may struggle to address security concerns effectively. Critics argue that the
theory may struggle to provide adequate responses to non-state actors, asymmetric threats, and
situations where cooperation breaks down due to conflicting interests or security dilemmas.
 Lack of Attention to Historical and Cultural Factors: Liberalism often assumes that states share
common values and interests, neglecting the influence of historical grievances, cultural
differences, and identity politics. Critics argue that these factors can significantly shape state
behavior and undermine the effectiveness of liberal approaches in addressing conflicts and
building sustainable peace.