What is liberalism? Flashcards
What are the three key strands liberals identify as constraints?
Democracy, international organisations and economic interdependence
Based on The Kantian Peace, what are the reasons why Liberals believe conflict can be avoided?
States can work together and that international laws and institutions are helpful and possible
Non-state actors have a positive role to play inc. IGOs and NGOs - can help states work together
International law is desirable and is the goal
International rules can hold states to account and ensure they conform to basic standards
A state’s primary aim shouldn’t be becoming more powerful
Democracy is a key player in reducing the likelihood of countries fighting each other
What is complex interdependence?
Liberal idea that states are too interconnected in the modern world to act totally independently without serious consequences
What are the political factors in complex interdependence?
Increase in international and regional gov organisations has meant political deciwsion making has become increasingly globalised
Increase in political challenges requiring a collective response (climate change, organised crime, pandemics)
Number of international and regional political institutions managing shared interests has increased (+ memberships)
What are the economic factors in complex interdependence?
Improved communication and transportation between states
This grows as more states trade with each other and as this becomes easier
International economic organisations (NTO) have played their part in this expansion of new trade agreemenets
Developed economies have invested heavily in many develpoing economies (China’s silk road initiative and the West’s PGI)
What are the social factors in complex interdependence?
Communities that were self-contained are becoming more connected in terms of shared media and culture
Increased global immigration has created more diverse societies (can argue this has caused erosion of national culture)
Enabled ideas to spread across borders (Arab Uprisings quick spread from Tunisia to Egypt due to social media)
