Liberalism Flashcards
Liberals believe in the power of…
Freedom
Individualism
Rule of law
ToleranceReason
Equality
Prosperity
Coompetition
Liberal view of international affairs
Anarchy
* No overarching political
Authority
* States value survival Security
* Insecurity is not permanent
Just Principles
* Can transform world politics
Liberalisms
Commercial
-Free trade and open
borders are forces for
peace
Republican
-Just political representation is a force for peace
Institutionalism
* IOs and regimes help states
reduce uncertainties
associated with anarchy
Democratic Peace Theory (Republican Liberalism):
The Democratic Peace Theory, sometimes referred to as Republican Liberalism, posits that democracies are less likely to engage in armed conflict with other democracies. It suggests that the presence of democratic political systems, characterized by regular free and fair elections, constitutional protections of civil liberties, and a system of checks and balances, tends to foster peaceful relations between states. This theory gained prominence in international relations scholarship in the late 20th century and has been supported by statistical analyses showing a correlation between democracy and a reduced likelihood of war between democratic states.
Commercial Liberalism:
Commercial liberalism, also known as economic liberalism or liberal internationalism, emphasizes the role of economic interdependence and trade in promoting peace and cooperation among states. It suggests that economic interactions, such as trade and investment, create mutual interests and dependencies that make conflict less desirable and cooperation more beneficial. Commercial liberalism advocates for policies that promote free trade, open markets, and economic globalization as means to foster peace and prosperity among nations. This concept is closely associated with classical liberal economic theories and has been a significant influence on international economic relations since the 19th century.
Institutionalism
Institutionalism, in the context of international relations, refers to a theoretical perspective that highlights the importance of international institutions and organizations in shaping state behavior and facilitating cooperation among states. Institutionalists argue that formal and informal institutions, such as international law, treaties, regimes, and organizations like the United Nations, play a crucial role in managing conflicts, coordinating policies, and promoting stability in the international system. Institutionalism emphasizes the role of rules, norms, and collective decision-making mechanisms in constraining state behavior and fostering trust and cooperation among states. This perspective gained prominence in the latter half of the 20th century as scholars sought to understand the dynamics of international cooperation and conflict management.