While liberalist theory accepts that nations exist in an anarchic international system, they believe that cooperation is possible and reject the realist notion that war cannot be avoided. A key component in fostering this peace is the existence of international organizations, which serve as regulatory mechanisms, channels of communication, forums of debate, and if necessary, interveners in national conflict.
In a sense, the presence of these organizations reduces the anarchic nature of the international system by providing an overarching presence. Liberalism that especially emphasizes the role of international organizations is known as neoliberal institutionalism, and it calls upon organizations such as the United Nations, Union, and World Trade Organization to help regulate the economic interactions between nations [19]. Beyond their economic role, international organizations such as NATO and the UN Security Council play a role in militarily enforcing peace.
Because one nation cannot effectively resist the combined strength of many other nations, regardless of of the individual nation's strength, it is generally in every nation's interest to keep in reasonably good terms with international organizations, and through them, the global community. Liberalism is predicated upon the belief that nations share similar enough interests and beliefs that this community is possible, and provides an alternative to violent conflict [20].
In a sense, the presence of these organizations reduces the anarchic nature of the international system by providing an overarching presence. Liberalism that especially emphasizes the role of international organizations is known as neoliberal institutionalism, and it calls upon organizations such as the United Nations, Union, and World Trade Organization to help regulate the economic interactions between nations [19]. Beyond their economic role, international organizations such as NATO and the UN Security Council play a role in militarily enforcing peace.
Because one nation cannot effectively resist the combined strength of many other nations, regardless of of the individual nation's strength, it is generally in every nation's interest to keep in reasonably good terms with international organizations, and through them, the global community. Liberalism is predicated upon the belief that nations share similar enough interests and beliefs that this community is possible, and provides an alternative to violent conflict [20].