Lecture 3 Liberalism Flashcards
Timeframe
1980s-1990s
Level of analysis
2nd image domestic - focus on domestic institutions and regimes
Liberalism as a theory
Social scientific theory
Argues that society-state relations are important for IR
Main thinkers
Erasmus, Kant, Locke, Bentham, Keohane, Ikenberry, Russett, Doyle, Moravesik
Locke
Constitutionalism, authority from below, human nature is good
Kant
Individualism, federation
Bentham
Individuals motivated by self interest to achieve happiness and can decide what is best for them without gov
Doyle
Treat others as ethical objects with freedoms, representation and participation.
Assumption 1 Human nature
Positive view of human nature. Humans can learn from history and progress
Assumption 2 Harmony
There can be conflict but harmony is possible. Reject the view that conflict is natural relation among states.
Assumption 3 Change
Progressive change is possible. Increased material prosperity through market liberalization. Abolition of slave trade. End of cold war.
Assumption 4 Actors
Pluralism of actors - states are not the only actors
Methodological individualism
Individuals are central to any political theory or social explanation
Ethical individualism
Priority given to individual’s rights
Assumption 5 Liberal inter order
Liberal international order - open, rules-based, progressive
Assumption 6 Cooperation
Cooperation is central feature of all human relations. Keohane - hegemony doesn’t lead to cooperation
Assumption 7 Economy
Economic trade and financial agenda is more important than military factor. Economic interdependence brings peace, war is less likely.
Assumption 8 IL
Legal-formal aspects of IR such as international law