Liberalism Flashcards
(37 cards)
What is Liberalism in International Relations?
A theory that emphasizes cooperation, progress, and mutual benefits in global politics.
Rejects Realism’s focus on inevitable conflict and power struggle.
Believes peaceful relations are possible through shared interests and institutions.
Supports the role of non-state actors, international law, and democratic values.
What are the core beliefs of Liberalism?
Human nature is cooperative, not purely self-interested.
International cooperation is achievable and desirable.
Economic interdependence reduces chances of war.
International institutions help manage conflict and build trust.
States can progress toward more peaceful relations over time.
What features distinguish Liberalism from Realism?
Belief in progress and change in the international system.
Emphasis on positive-sum games (mutual gain).
Support for global governance, international law, and NGOs.
Normative goals: promoting human rights, democracy, and development.
What is the Liberal view on economic interdependence?
Trade and investment create mutual benefits for states.
Interdependence makes war costly and undesirable.
Globalization and open markets are seen as peace-promoting forces.
Example: EU single market = strong economic ties → peace.
What did Immanuel Kant contribute to Liberal IR?
Argued for Democratic Peace Theory: democracies don’t fight each other.
Promoted idea of a cosmopolitan world based on shared laws and values.
Advocated for perpetual peace through republics and international cooperation.
What were Woodrow Wilson’s contributions to Liberalism?
Pushed for League of Nations post-WWI.
Believed in self-determination, democracy, and collective security.
Saw diplomacy and international law as key to avoiding future wars.
What is Neoliberal Institutionalism?
Developed by Robert Keohane and Joseph Nye.
Believes that institutions matter, even under anarchy.
Institutions lower transaction costs, increase transparency, and facilitate cooperation.
States are rational actors that cooperate for long-term gains.
How does the EU reflect Liberal ideals?
Economic interdependence via single market and common currency.
Political cooperation through EU Parliament, treaties, and policies.
Use of supranational institutions to manage relations peacefully.
Shows how shared governance reduces conflict.
What is the Democratic Peace Theory in liberal international relations?
The idea that democratic countries do not go to war with one another.
Popular theory in liberalism suggesting that political systems matter.
Emphasizes peaceful relations between states with democratic governments.
Why are democracies less likely to fight each other?
Shared values: Respect for negotiation, compromise, and law.
Public accountability: Leaders need public approval to go to war.
Checks and balances: Institutions like parliaments slow down decisions.
Transparency: Democracies are open about actions, reducing fear.
What are examples of Democratic Peace in action?
USA and UK: Both strong democracies with a long history of peace.
Western Europe after WWII: Democracies like France and Germany avoided war, instead building the European Union.
NATO allies: Most NATO members are democracies who cooperate instead of conflict
Who are some major figures behind Democratic Peace Theory?
Immanuel Kant: Proposed the idea in his essay Perpetual Peace (1795).
Michael Doyle: Revived and developed the theory in the 1980s.
Bruce Russett: Provided statistical evidence in support of the theory.
What are the main criticisms of Democratic Peace Theory?
Democracies still fight wars (e.g., U.S. in Iraq, Afghanistan) — just not with each other.
May be correlation, not causation.
Democracy promotion has been used as an excuse for war.
Democracies may use economic or covert pressure instead of military force.
What is meant by economic interdependence in liberalism?
The idea that countries become more peaceful when they trade with each other.
War disrupts trade, so countries avoid war to protect economic benefits.
A central liberal belief that mutual economic interests reduce conflict.
How does trade reduce the chance of conflict?
War is expensive: Damages trade, jobs, and economies.
Mutual dependence: Countries rely on each other for goods/services.
Public and business opposition: War hurts everyone financially.
Institutions: Groups like WTO make trade rules that discourage conflict.
What are examples of economic interdependence reducing conflict?
China and the U.S.: Despite political tension, they trade heavily and avoid direct war.
Germany and France: After centuries of war, strong trade helped form the EU.
Japan and South Korea: Despite historical rivalry, strong economic ties prevent escalation.
What are the weaknesses of the economic interdependence argument?
Countries can still go to war despite economic ties (e.g., Russia and Ukraine traded before 2014).
Economic interdependence may not be equal, causing resentment.
Sometimes trade is used as a weapon (e.g., sanctions, dependency).
What are important terms linked to economic interdependence?
Globalisation: The process of increasing worldwide economic connectivity.
Trade liberalisation: Removing barriers like tariffs to encourage free trade.
Mutual vulnerability: Both countries would suffer if trade stopped.
What are International Institutions?
Structures or agreements where countries cooperate on global issues.
Can be formal (e.g. UN, WTO) or informal (e.g. Paris Climate Accord).
What role do they play in liberalism?
Help create peace through rules, trust, and cooperation.
Oppose the realist belief that states only act selfishly.
Why do institutions matter in global politics?
Promote transparency.
Encourage dialogue over conflict.
Reduce security dilemmas.
How do institutions punish bad behaviour?
Use sanctions, expulsion, or diplomatic pressure.
Example: Russia suspended from the G8 after Crimea invasion.
Examples of Institutions in Practice
UN: Peacekeeping, diplomacy, international law
WTO: Global trade rules
EU: Economic and political integration
Complex Interdependence Theory: Who developed this theory?
Robert Keohane and Joseph Nye (1970s)
