Main Assumptions of Liberalism in International Relations
Get the full solved assignment PDF of MPS-002 of 2024-25 session now by clicking on above button.
Liberalism in international relations is an optimistic theory emphasizing cooperation, interdependence, and the role of institutions, contrasting with the more conflict-focused worldview of realism. Liberalism’s roots trace back to Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke, Immanuel Kant, and Adam Smith, and it has evolved into various strands, including neoliberal institutionalism.
Key Assumptions of Liberalism:
- Human Nature is Good:
- Liberals believe humans are capable of reason and moral progress, favoring cooperation over conflict.
- War and violence are seen as deviations, not the norm, in human behavior.
- International System Allows for Cooperation:
- States and non-state actors can collaborate to achieve common goals, particularly through international organizations, norms, and rules.
- Conflict is not inevitable; mutual benefits can arise from interdependence.
- Plurality of Actors:
- Unlike realism, which emphasizes states as the sole actors, liberalism acknowledges the role of international organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), multinational corporations (MNCs), and individuals in shaping global outcomes.
- Interdependence and Trade Foster Peace:
- Economic interdependence, free trade, and globalization reduce the likelihood of war because states benefit more from cooperation than conflict.
- Example: The European Union emerged as a peace project driven by economic integration.
- Role of International Institutions:
- Institutions like the United Nations and World Trade Organization create frameworks for cooperation and dispute resolution, reducing anarchy in the international system.
- Institutions promote transparency, trust, and reciprocity among states.
- Promotion of Democracy:
- Democratic peace theory posits that democracies are less likely to go to war with each other due to shared norms, political accountability, and public opposition to conflict.
- Liberalism promotes the spread of democracy as a path to global peace.
- Rule of Law and Norms Matter:
- International laws, treaties, and norms shape state behavior and create predictability in global affairs.
- States comply with rules not just due to coercion but because of legitimacy and shared values.
Differences Between Liberalism and Realism
| Aspect | Liberalism | Realism |
|---|---|---|
| View of Human Nature | Optimistic: Humans are rational and capable of cooperation. | Pessimistic: Humans are self-interested and power-seeking. |
| Key Actors | States, international organizations, NGOs, MNCs, individuals. | States are the primary and most important actors. |
| Nature of International System | Partially ordered: Institutions and norms can mitigate anarchy. | Anarchic: No central authority; conflict is inevitable. |
| Focus | Cooperation, peace, and mutual benefits. | Conflict, power, and security. |
| Role of Power | Power is multidimensional (economic, cultural, institutional). | Power is primarily military and strategic. |
| Role of Institutions | Essential: Institutions facilitate cooperation and reduce uncertainty. | Marginal: Institutions have little impact; power politics dominate. |
| Conflict and War | Avoidable: Caused by miscommunication or lack of institutions. | Inevitable: Driven by competition for power and security. |
| Economic Interdependence | A force for peace: Trade ties reduce the incentive for conflict. | Irrelevant: Economic ties do not prevent states from pursuing self-interest. |
| Examples of Theories | Democratic peace theory, neoliberal institutionalism. | Balance of power, security dilemma, offensive realism. |
| Historical Example | European Union: Economic integration fostering peace. | Cold War: Power struggle between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. |
Conclusion
While realism emphasizes power, conflict, and the inevitability of anarchy, liberalism offers a more hopeful vision of international relations, focusing on cooperation, interdependence, and the transformative power of institutions and democracy. The two theories often complement each other, as aspects of both can be observed in global politics.