Question
What are the similarities and differences between the liberalist, neo-realist and Marxist approaches to globalisation?
Answer
The liberalist, neo-realist, and Marxist approaches to globalization offer distinct perspectives on the interplay between politics, economics, and global power dynamics. Here is a comparison of their similarities and differences:
Similarities
Focus on Global Dynamics: All three approaches examine the impact of globalization on international relations and economic systems, albeit from different angles (Vlados, 2024; Sørensen, Møller and Jackson, 2021; Mckeown, Bui and Glenn, 2021).
Concern with Power and Economics: Each theory considers the distribution of power and wealth, though they prioritize different aspects and outcomes (Sørensen, Møller and Jackson, 2021; Mckeown, Bui and Glenn, 2021).
Differences
Liberalism
Emphasis on Free Markets and Cooperation: Liberalism advocates for free trade, open markets, and international cooperation, believing these lead to peace and prosperity (Sørensen, Møller and Jackson, 2021; Roy-Mukherjee and Udeogu, 2020).
Human Rights and Democracy: It often emphasizes the importance of human rights and democratic governance as part of the global order (Boer, 2021).
Neo-Realism
State-Centric and Power-Oriented: Neo-realism focuses on the role of states and the anarchic nature of international politics, where power and security are primary concerns (Sørensen, Møller and Jackson, 2021; Karkour, 2022).
Skepticism of Global Institutions: It is often skeptical of international institutions’ ability to mitigate power struggles and conflicts (Karkour, 2022).
Marxism
Critique of Capitalism: Marxism critiques the capitalist system and its role in perpetuating inequality and exploitation on a global scale (Westra, 2020; Mckeown, Bui and Glenn, 2021).
Focus on Class Struggle: It emphasizes the role of class struggle and economic exploitation in shaping global relations (Mckeown, Bui and Glenn, 2021; Lawson, 2021).
Alternative to Capitalist Globalisation: Marxism proposes alternatives to capitalist globalisation, focusing on socioeconomic well-being and anti-colonial sovereignty (Boer, 2021).
Conclusion
While liberalism promotes free markets and cooperation, neo-realism emphasises state power and security, and Marxism critiques capitalism and highlights class struggle. These approaches provide diverse lenses through which to understand globalization’s impact on international relations and economic systems. Each offers unique insights into the challenges and opportunities presented by global interconnectedness.
References
Vlados, C., 2024. The Current Evolution of International Political Economy: Exploring the New Theoretical Divide between New Globalization and Anti-Globalization. Societies. https://doi.org/10.3390/soc14080135
Sørensen, G., Møller, J., & Jackson, R., 2021. 6. International Political Economy: Marxism, Mercantilism, Liberalism. Introduction to International Relations: Theories and Approaches. https://doi.org/10.1093/hepl/9780198862208.003.0006
Westra, R., 2020. East Asia in the Global Economy: Theoretical and Empirical Questions for Marxism. Journal of Contemporary Asia, 50, pp. 178 – 193. https://doi.org/10.1080/00472336.2019.1662473
Boer, R., 2021. Sovereignty and Human Rights: A Comparison Between Western Liberal and Chinese Marxist Traditions. Political Theology, 23, pp. 13 – 28. https://doi.org/10.1080/1462317X.2021.1932341
Karkour, H., 2022. Liberal modernity and the classical realist critique of the (present) international order. International Affairs. https://doi.org/10.1093/ia/iiac006
Mckeown, A., Bui, D., & Glenn, J., 2021. A social theory of resilience: The governance of vulnerability in crisis-era neoliberalism. European Journal of Cultural and Political Sociology, 9, pp. 112-132. https://doi.org/10.1080/23254823.2021.1997616
Lawson, S., 2021. 4. Critical Approaches to Global Politics. Global Politics. https://doi.org/10.1093/hepl/9780198844327.003.0004
Roy-Mukherjee, S., & Udeogu, E., 2020. Neo-liberal Globalization and Income Inequality: Panel Data Evidence from OECD and Western Balkan Countries. Journal of Balkan and Near Eastern Studies, 23, pp. 15 – 39. https://doi.org/10.1080/19448953.2020.1852004
Dunne, T. (2014) Liberalism. In J. Baylis and S. Smith (Eds.), The Globalization of World Politics: An Introduction. Oxford: Oxford University Press, pp. 113-125.
Heywood, A. (2015) Key Concepts in Politics and International Relations. Second edition. London: Palgrave MacMillan.
Robinson, W. I. and Harris, J. (2000) Towards a global ruling class? Globalization and the transnational capitalist class. Science & Society 64(1), pp. 11-54.
