MODULE 4
The document you've uploaded, "Module IV: Liberalism Theories of International Relations" by
Ravi Saxena, explores liberalism as a theory in international relations (IR). Below is a detailed
explanation in simpler terms, summarizing the key points:
## What is Liberalism in International Relations?
Liberalism is a theory that emphasizes self-restraint, moderation, compromise, and peace. It
suggests that democratic governments are more peaceful in their international dealings compared
to authoritarian regimes. Liberalism promotes the idea of cooperation and peaceful resolution of
con icts among states, advocating for a world governed by laws, rights, and mutual respect.
## Historical Development of Liberalism
1. Early Thinkers and Ideas:
- Key early liberal thinkers like **Immanuel Kant** and **Jeremy Bentham** responded to the
brutal and chaotic nature of international relations of their time. They sought a more orderly and
peaceful system. Bentham even coined the term “international,” aiming for a legal system that
acknowledged the equality of sovereign states and focused on maximizing happiness for the
greatest number of people.
- Kant argued for the transformation of individual consciousness, republican constitutionalism,
and a federation of states to abolish war.
2. Waves of Liberal Internationalism:
- First Wave: This was in uenced by Enlightenment thinkers like Kant and Bentham.
- Second Wave: Known as the “idealist moment,” this wave came after World War I, leading to
the creation of the **League of Nations** in 1920. The League aimed to prevent wars through
diplomacy and collective security.
- Third Wave: This extends into the late 20th and early 21st centuries, building on earlier ideas
but adapting to new global challenges and complexities.
## Key Concepts in Liberalism
- Self-Restraint and Compromise: Liberalism believes that states should practice restraint and
seek peaceful solutions rather than resorting to war.
- Promotion of Democracy: Democratic states are seen as more stable internally and more
peaceful internationally. This is because they are accountable to their citizens, who often prefer
peace over con ict.
- International Cooperation: Organizations like the United Nations (UN) are examples of liberal
institutions that aim to maintain peace and order through international cooperation.
- Economic Interdependence: Liberalism suggests that when countries are economically
interdependent, they are less likely to go to war with each other. Trade and economic relations can
thus act as a deterrent to con ict.
##mCriticisms and Challenges
- Despite its ideals, liberalism has faced criticism. Critics argue that liberal democracies can be
just as aggressive as other types of states, particularly in their relations with authoritarian regimes.
- Francis Fukuyama’s Argument: In his work "The End of History," Fukuyama claimed that
liberalism would become the dominant ideology, but this has been debated, especially with the
rise of authoritarian regimes and nationalist movements in recent years.
- Decline of Liberal Internationalism: Factors like the diminishing power of the United States,
rising in uence of non-Western countries, and challenges within the European Union suggest that
the liberal order is under threat. There is also skepticism about the e ectiveness of global
institutions to enforce liberal principles universally.
## Conclusion
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Liberalism in international relations seeks a peaceful and cooperative world order, emphasizing
democracy, economic interdependence, and international law. However, it faces signi cant
challenges from rising authoritarian powers, shifts in global power dynamics, and internal
contradictions. The future of liberal internationalism depends on its ability to adapt and address
these emerging global realities.
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