IR Liberalism

Cooperation

states can cooperate even under anarchy through shared interests/norms

International Institutions

rules + practices that shape state behaviour (WTO,UN)

Domestic Analogy

IR is explained on domestic level; international cooperation is possible

Republic liberalism 

Domestic political regimes, democracies, tend not to fight each other

Democratic Peace Theory

Democracies rarely go to war with one another due to similar institutions

Zones of Peace

Areas where liberal democracies maintain peaceful relations

Sociological liberalism

Emphasises the role of government in addressing social inequalities and public welfare, using government intervention on poverty, education, healthcare…

commercial liberalsim 

Economic interdependence/free trade between states reduces the likelihood of war; trade promotes peace

complex interdependence

Multiple channels connect states and societies; military power is less useful in ‘low politics’ issues (trade, environment) 

Neoliberalism/institutional liberalism

Institutions and political infrastructure mitigate anarchy as it enables cooperation among nations

High vs Low Politics 

Low politics: trade + environment + welfare

High politics: security + war

Weak vs Strong Liberal Claim

Weak: cooperation is possible but limited

Strong: liberal norms + institutions fundamentally transform IR

Liberal Interventionism

Belief in using force or intervention to promote democracy/human rights

Classical liberalism

Promotes the idea of free market and a relaxed approach to economic independence, as well as a limited government. Focused more on the economic side of law.