Liberalist Theory In International relations
- Liberalism rejects the notion that states are unitary actors. State preferences, based on a variety of internal factors, have a major effect on inter-state relations. States can have many preferences, and these can easily change. [2]
- Liberalism believes that a world of shared liberal norms and cosmopolitan liberal culture will greatly reduce conflict amongst liberal states. [3]
- Liberalism believes that cooperation in international politics is possible and can in many cases result in mutual gain. Long-term cooperation is possible in a state of anarchy and actors can seek an absolute gain, rather than focusing only on relative gains. [4]
- Liberalism in International politics believes in the use of international institutions that help regulate behavior amongst nations, create a common set of rules by which nations can interact, and reduce the occurrence of violent conflict. [5]
- Liberal internationalism breaks from the classical realist skepticism that insists that while war can be mitigated, it can not be overcome. Classical liberalism believe in the possibility of a state of peace among independent, sovereign states. [6]
- There are several subtypes in Liberalism that focus on certain theoretical aspects:
-Commercial liberalism seeks to explore the peaceful effects of economic interdependence
and free trade.
-Democratic peace theory contends that democratic states are far less likely to go to war with
one another due to the affinity created by shared liberal institutions and the accountable
nature of government to the people. [7]
- Liberalism is not to be confused with idealism/utopianism, which seeks peace via the perfection of government. [8]