Explain the main assumptions of liberalism. How is it different from Realism
Liberalism in International Relations is a major theoretical perspective that focuses on the potential for cooperation, peace, and progress in the international system. Unlike Realism, which sees the world as a competitive and conflict-prone environment, Liberalism is more optimistic about the possibility of harmonious relationships among states and emphasizes the role of international institutions, law, and economic interdependence in promoting global peace and stability.
Main Assumptions of Liberalism
Liberalism in International Relations is based on several key assumptions:
- Human Nature is Essentially Good: Liberalism assumes that human beings are capable of reason, cooperation, and moral progress. Unlike Realism, which views human nature as inherently selfish and power-seeking, Liberalism suggests that humans, and by extension states, can transcend narrow self-interest through rational decision-making and cooperation. The emphasis is on the potential for individuals and states to work together toward shared goals such as peace, prosperity, and justice.
- The Possibility of Cooperation: One of the core assumptions of Liberalism is that states can and do cooperate with one another. While Realism emphasizes the inevitability of conflict due to the anarchic structure of the international system, Liberalism argues that international cooperation is not only possible but necessary for addressing global challenges. Cooperation can be achieved through diplomacy, international institutions, and treaties, which provide a framework for states to resolve disputes, promote economic interdependence, and build mutual trust.
- International Institutions and Organizations: Liberalism places significant importance on the role of international institutions and organizations in fostering cooperation and managing conflicts. Organizations such as the United Nations (UN), World Trade Organization (WTO), International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the European Union (EU) are seen as key mechanisms that help manage state behavior, resolve disputes, and regulate global issues such as trade, security, human rights, and environmental protection. Liberal theorists argue that international institutions can reduce the likelihood of war, promote dialogue, and enforce norms of peaceful coexistence.
- Economic Interdependence: Liberals believe that economic interdependence between states can reduce the likelihood of conflict. By creating economic ties, states become mutually dependent on one another for trade, investment, and resources. This interdependence creates incentives for peace, as war would disrupt these beneficial relationships. Liberalism argues that states have more to gain from peaceful economic cooperation than from engaging in military conflict. Over time, economic ties can foster shared interests and increase the costs of war, leading to a more stable and peaceful international system.
- Democratic Peace Theory: A key tenet of Liberalism is the democratic peace theory, which argues that democracies are less likely to go to war with one another. The theory suggests that democratic states, due to their political structures (e.g., accountability to the public, checks and balances, transparency), are more likely to resolve disputes through diplomacy and negotiation rather than through force. This is because democracies tend to be more transparent and less likely to initiate war, as the costs of war are generally high for citizens in democratic societies.
- Normative Beliefs: Liberalism is also rooted in a set of normative beliefs about global governance. These beliefs emphasize the role of human rights, justice, and ethical behavior in international relations. Liberal theorists argue that international law, human rights treaties, and multilateral agreements provide a framework for ensuring the protection of individuals and promoting global norms of fairness and equality. Unlike Realism, which focuses solely on power and security, Liberalism incorporates normative concerns about justice, human dignity, and the rule of law into its analysis of international relations.
- Progress and Change: Liberalism is forward-looking and believes that progress is possible in international relations. It holds that over time, states can become more peaceful, just, and cooperative. This belief in the potential for change and improvement contrasts with the Realist view, which tends to be more pessimistic about the prospects for lasting change in the international system.
Differences Between Liberalism and Realism
While both Liberalism and Realism are major theoretical perspectives in International Relations, they differ in their views on the nature of the international system, the role of states, and the prospects for cooperation. Here are the key differences between the two:
- View of Human Nature:
- Realism: Realists believe that human nature is inherently selfish, power-seeking, and competitive. This pessimistic view of human nature leads them to conclude that states, driven by the desire for power and security, will always act in their self-interest, often at the expense of others.
- Liberalism: Liberals are more optimistic and believe that human nature is capable of reason and moral progress. They argue that states can transcend selfishness and cooperate for mutual benefit, and that international institutions, economic interdependence, and democracy can promote cooperation and peace.
- Nature of the International System:
Realism: Realists view the international system as anarchic, meaning there is no overarching authority or central…..
Read More…
Click Here to Buy MPS Assignment Solutions 2025
Explain the main assumptions of liberalism Explain the main assumptions of liberalism Explain the main assumptions of liberalism Explain the main assumptions of liberalism Explain the main assumptions of liberalism Explain the main assumptions of liberalism Explain the main assumptions of liberalism Explain the main assumptions of liberalism Explain the main assumptions of liberalism
