WEEK 11 – FLASHPOINTS, STRATEGIC UNCERTAINTY AND THE LIBERAL INTERNATIONAL ORDER

What is the Liberal International Order (LIO)?

A system of international institutions, rules, and norms largely led by the United States after World War II.

What is meant by the "Rise of the West"?

The growth of Western economic, political, and military power from the early modern period onwards.

How did colonialism contribute to the Rise of the West?

Through resource extraction, imperial expansion, and exploitation of colonies.

What international organisations emerged after World War II?

The UN, IMF, World Bank, WTO, WHO, and EU.

What is complex interdependence according to Keohane and Nye?

A situation where states are connected through multiple economic, political, and social relationships.

What is soft power?

The ability to influence others through attraction rather than coercion.

What did Fukuyama mean by the "End of History"?

The belief that liberal democracy had become the dominant political system.

What is a hegemonic order?

An international order led by a dominant state.

Why was the United States considered the liberal hegemon?

It created and led many institutions of the Liberal International Order.

How did the Iraq War challenge the Liberal International Order?

It damaged trust in liberal international leadership and international law.

How did the Global Financial Crisis challenge the Liberal International Order?

It weakened confidence in economic liberalism and Western leadership.

What is meant by the "decline of Pax Americana"?

The weakening of US global dominance.

What is multipolarity?

A system where power is distributed among several major states.

What countries are often seen as challenging US dominance?

China, Russia, India, Brazil, and South Africa.

What is strategic uncertainty?

Uncertainty about future power relations, alliances, and global stability.

What is the relationship between the United States and the Liberal International Order?

The US created, led, and maintained much of the order but faces challenges in sustaining it today.

How can crises in the Liberal International Order affect trust in democracy?

Failures of international leadership can reduce confidence in democratic governments.