Question
What is ‘Liberalism’ in International Relations?
Answer
Liberalism in International Relations (IR) is a theory that emphasises cooperation, open markets, democratic governance, and the rule of law as foundational elements for a peaceful and just international order. It stands in contrast to Realism, which focuses on power and competition among states.
Key Concepts of Liberalism in IR
Liberal Internationalism: This approach seeks to create a world order based on mutual gains, open markets, and democratic societies. It emphasizes the importance of international institutions and rules to facilitate cooperation and manage global issues (Parry, 2021; Deudney and Ikenberry, 2021).
Neoliberalism: A modern adaptation of liberalism that stresses the role of international institutions and economic interdependence in promoting peace and stability. It includes theories like liberal institutionalism and commercial liberalism, which focus on the benefits of trade and cooperation (Klimova, 2024).
Cooperation and Restraint: Liberalism posits that states can overcome power constraints through cooperation and restraint, leading to a stable international system. This involves building coalitions and institutions to address global challenges and protect liberal values (Deudney and Ikenberry, 2021; Jiménez, Quintana and Arenas, 2023).
Critiques and Challenges: Despite its influence, liberalism faces challenges from rising illiberal and populist movements, which question its effectiveness in addressing issues like inequality and state sovereignty. The liberal order’s adaptability to these challenges is crucial for its continued relevance (Paul, 2021; Karkour, 2022).
Liberalism in International Relations promotes a cooperative and rule-based international order, contrasting with the competitive nature of Realism. It emphasizes the role of institutions, open markets, and democratic governance in fostering global peace and stability. However, it faces challenges from internal inequalities and external geopolitical shifts, necessitating adaptation and reform to maintain its influence.
References
Klimova, G., 2024. LIBERALISM IN THE DISCOURSE OF THE THEORY OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS. The Bulletin of Yaroslav Mudryi National Law University Series Philosophy philosophies of law political science sociology. https://doi.org/10.21564/2663-5704.61.304643
Parry, A., 2021. LIBERALISM AND FOREIGN POLICY: AN ANALYSIS OF THE LIBERAL FOREIGN POLICY IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS. **.
Deudney, D., & Ikenberry, J., 2021. Getting Restraint Right: Liberal Internationalism and American Foreign Policy. Survival, 63, pp. 63 – 100. https://doi.org/10.1080/00396338.2021.2006452
Jiménez, W., Quintana, O., & Arenas, O., 2023. DERECHO Y POLÍTICA EN LA POSMODERNIDAD: EL LIBERALISMO INTERNACIONALISTA. Revista Republicana. https://doi.org/10.21017/rev.repub.2023.v34.a141
Paul, T., 2021. Globalization, deglobalization and reglobalization: adapting liberal international order. International Affairs. https://doi.org/10.1093/ia/iiab072
Karkour, H., 2022. Liberal modernity and the classical realist critique of the (present) international order. International Affairs. https://doi.org/10.1093/ia/iiac006
Burchill, S. (2005) ‘Liberalism’ In: S. Burchill, A. Linklater, R. Devetak, J. Donnelly, M. Paterson, C. Reus-Smit and J. True, ed., Theories of International Relations, 3rd edition. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, pp.55-81
Dunne, T. (2008) ‘Liberalism’, In J. Baylis, S.Smith and P. Owens (ed) The Globalization of World Politics: An introduction to international relations, 4th edition, Oxford: Oxford University Press
Nye, J.S (1990) ‘Soft Power’, Foreign Policy, Vol.80. 20th Edition, pp.153-171
