🫱🏼‍🫲🏾Theories of International Relations Unit 2 – Liberalism & Neoliberalism in IR Theory

Key Concepts and Definitions

• Liberalism emphasizes individual rights, freedom, and equality as the foundation for international relations
• Believes in the potential for cooperation and progress through international institutions, free trade, and democracy
• Assumes individuals and states are rational actors capable of making decisions based on self-interest and mutual benefit
• Advocates for the spread of liberal values such as human rights, rule of law, and market economics
• Interdependence among states creates incentives for peaceful cooperation and reduces the likelihood of conflict
• Collective security involves states working together through international organizations to maintain peace and security
• Soft power refers to the ability to influence others through attraction and persuasion rather than coercion or force

Historical Context and Development

• Liberalism emerged during the Enlightenment era in the 18th century, challenging traditional notions of absolute monarchy and divine right
• Influenced by philosophers such as John Locke, Immanuel Kant, and Adam Smith who emphasized individual rights, social contract theory, and free market economics
• Woodrow Wilson's Fourteen Points and the creation of the League of Nations after World War I reflected liberal ideals of collective security and international cooperation
• The post-World War II era saw the establishment of liberal institutions such as the United Nations, World Bank, and International Monetary Fund
• The end of the Cold War and the spread of democracy in the 1990s were seen as a triumph of liberal values and the "end of history" by some scholars

Core Principles of Liberalism in IR

• Belief in the fundamental importance of individual rights and freedoms
• Emphasis on the rule of law and constitutional government as a means of protecting individual rights
• Support for free trade and open markets as a way to promote economic growth and interdependence
• Advocacy for international organizations and collective security arrangements to maintain peace and stability
• Promotion of democracy and human rights as universal values that should be spread globally
• Optimism about the potential for progress and cooperation in international relations through the spread of liberal values and institutions

Major Thinkers and Their Contributions

• John Locke's ideas about natural rights, social contract theory, and limited government influenced the development of liberal political thought
• Immanuel Kant's essay "Perpetual Peace" argued for a federation of republics and the establishment of international law to promote peace
• Adam Smith's "The Wealth of Nations" advocated for free trade and market economics as a means of promoting economic growth and prosperity
• Woodrow Wilson's Fourteen Points and vision for the League of Nations reflected liberal ideals of collective security and international cooperation
• Norman Angell's "The Great Illusion" challenged the notion that war was economically beneficial and argued that interdependence made conflict counterproductive
  • Angell believed that the economic costs of war outweighed any potential benefits
  • He argued that the complex web of international trade and finance made states mutually dependent and vulnerable to the disruptions caused by war

Neoliberalism: Evolution and Distinctions

• Neoliberalism emerged in the 1970s and 1980s as a response to the challenges of globalization and the perceived failures of state-led development models
• Emphasizes the role of international institutions, regimes, and norms in shaping state behavior and promoting cooperation
• Focuses on the importance of economic interdependence and the benefits of free trade and open markets
• Advocates for the use of international law and multilateral diplomacy to address global issues such as human rights, environmental protection, and terrorism
• Differs from classical liberalism in its greater emphasis on the role of international institutions and its recognition of the need for global governance in an increasingly interconnected world
• Critics argue that neoliberalism prioritizes the interests of powerful states and corporations over those of developing countries and marginalized groups

Liberal Approaches to Global Issues

• Liberalism advocates for the use of international institutions and multilateral diplomacy to address global challenges such as climate change, human rights, and economic development
• Supports the creation of international regimes and norms to govern state behavior and promote cooperation in areas such as arms control, trade, and environmental protection
• Emphasizes the importance of human rights and the responsibility of the international community to intervene in cases of gross human rights violations
• Advocates for the use of economic incentives and sanctions to encourage compliance with international norms and agreements
• Believes in the potential for international law and courts to resolve disputes and hold states accountable for their actions
• Promotes the role of non-state actors such as NGOs and civil society groups in shaping global governance and advocating for change

Critiques and Limitations

• Critics argue that liberalism is overly optimistic about the potential for cooperation and progress in international relations
• Realists challenge the liberal assumption that states are primarily motivated by the pursuit of absolute gains rather than relative gains
• Marxists and dependency theorists argue that liberalism ignores the structural inequalities and power imbalances in the global economy that perpetuate poverty and underdevelopment
• Postcolonial scholars criticize liberalism for its Eurocentric assumptions and its failure to recognize the legacy of colonialism and imperialism in shaping international relations
• Some argue that liberal institutions and norms reflect the interests of powerful states and may not be truly representative or effective in addressing global challenges
• Critics point to the failure of liberal institutions such as the League of Nations and the United Nations to prevent major conflicts and human rights abuses

Contemporary Relevance and Case Studies

• The United Nations and its various agencies continue to play a central role in promoting liberal values and addressing global issues such as peacekeeping, development, and human rights
• The European Union is often cited as an example of liberal institutionalism and regional integration based on shared values and economic interdependence
• The International Criminal Court reflects liberal ideals of international law and accountability for human rights abuses and war crimes
• The Paris Agreement on climate change and the Sustainable Development Goals demonstrate the potential for multilateral cooperation on global challenges
• The rise of populist and nationalist movements in recent years has challenged liberal assumptions about the benefits of globalization and the stability of democratic institutions
  • The election of Donald Trump in the United States and the Brexit vote in the United Kingdom reflected a backlash against liberal elites and international institutions
  • The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the limitations of global cooperation and the challenges of coordinating responses to transnational threats