BASIC Principles OF LIBERALISM:
- Liberalist societies share common principles of individual freedom, political participation, private property, and equality of opportunity.
- Liberalists highlight the importance of the freedom of the individual.
- Nations will respond to common incentives and regard war as dangerous and undesirable.
- Ideal version of liberalism involves a commitment to four essential institutions:
- Citizens must have judicial equality and other civic rights (freedom of press / religion).
- Sovereigns of state must be representative legislatures that get authority from the consent of those they rule.
- The economy must rest on recognition of rights of private property.
- Economic decisions must be shaped by supply and demand both domestically and internationally and free from strict control by bureaucracies.
- Global cooperation is possible and we can move beyond the prevalence of power politics that is seen in the realist paradigm.