Lecture 4: Liberalism Assumptions and Variants
Assumptions of Liberalism:
a) Human Nature is Optimistic:
Liberalism assumes that states, like individuals, act out of self-interest but can also cooperate
when it aligns with their goals. This optimistic view suggests that states are not inherently
hostile and can work together for mutual benefit.
b) War/Conflicts/Violence:
Conflicts between states often arise when international institutions fail to address issues
effectively. This failure can stem from outdated rules and regulations that do not meet
contemporary challenges. For example, conflicts may occur when existing treaties or
organizations are unable to handle new types of threats or disputes.
c) Peace and Progress:
Spread of Democracy: Liberalism believes that promoting democratic governance leads to a
more peaceful world.
One Kind of Understanding: It suggests that global peace can be achieved through shared
understanding and cooperation among nations.
d) Respect for International Law:
Liberalism emphasizes the importance of international laws and norms in maintaining global
order and resolving conflicts.
Variants of Liberalism:
1. Liberal Internationalism:
o Historical Context: Emerged in the 19th century with events like the Concert of Europe
and the Hague Conventions, aimed at promoting international peace and cooperation.
o Key Idea: Emmanuel Kant proposed that the world should move towards perpetual
peace, advocating for a federation of republics with democratic governance.
o Example: The establishment of international institutions like the League of Nations after
World War I, which aimed to promote peace through collective security and
cooperation.
2. Liberal Idealism:
o Post-WWI Development: After World War I, there was a push for democratic
governance and respect for international law, leading to the formation of the League of
Nations.
o Key Idea: Peace is constructed through deliberate efforts, not automatic. The concept of
collective security suggests that if one state acts aggressively, other states should unite
against it.
o Example: Woodrow Wilson’s idea of “a war to end all wars” aimed at creating lasting
peace but faced challenges in practice.
3. Liberal Institutionalism:
o Proponent: David Mitrián’s ideas highlight the importance of creating and maintaining
effective institutions to address global issues.
o Key Idea: Effective institutions are needed to manage international relations and solve
problems. For example, the European Union (EU) and the United Nations (UN) are
institutions designed to promote cooperation and address global challenges.
4. Neo-Liberalism:
o Emergence: Gained prominence from the 1960s to the 1970s, focusing on scientific
studies in International Relations (IR).
o Sub-Branches:
a) Neo-Liberal Internationalism:
o Key Idea: Democratic peace theory, proposed by Francis Fukuyama, suggests that
democratic states do not go to war with each other. Data from 1815 to the 21st century
supports this view, showing that conflicts often involve non-democratic states.
o Example: The peaceful relations between Canada and the U.S., and the absence of wars
among Western European countries after World War II.
b) Neo-Liberal Idealism:
o Proponent: Norberto Bobbio
o Key Idea: Although the world may become more democratic, it will remain within a
nation-state system that is inherently undemocratic. Bobbio suggests moving towards
governance structures that are more democratic, like regional parliaments instead of
global ones.
o Example: The historical context of the nation-state system in Europe since 1648, where
territories were assigned to rulers without democratic input.
c) Neo-Liberal Institutionalism:
o Proponents: Joseph Nye and Robert Keohane
o Key Idea: States remain significant actors in international relations, but peace and
progress can be achieved through complex interdependence and understanding rather
than relying on a single global government.
o Example: The role of institutions in managing international relations and fostering
cooperation in a world without a central governing authority.
