Exam #1: Liberalism

International Relations

Democratic peace theory

Democratic states are highly unlikely to go to war with one another

• Internal restraints on power

• Democracies see each other as legitimate and unthreatening = higher capacity for cooperation

International norms

Expected behaviors which is built on the foundation aimed at restraining the violent power of states, favors:

• International cooperation 

• Human rights 

• Democracy 

• Rule of Law 

Free Trade 

Component of the liberal world order, spread through the efforts of powerful liberal states and international organization: WTO + IMF + World Bank

• Open, market-based, international economic system

• High Level of trade between states decreases conflict and makes war less likely

International organizations

Institutions that create an international system that goes significantly beyond one of just states

• Made to limit the power of states by encouraging cooperation 

• Providing constant diplomacy between allies and enemies 

Neoliberalism

Focus on how international organizations foster cooperation by helping states overcome the incentive to escape from international agreements 

• States can benefit greatly from cooperation if they trust one another to live up to their agreement 

Absolute Gains

General increase in welfare for all parties concerned, everyone benefits to some degree

• Argues that states care more about absolute gain than relative gains: states will participate in any agreement that they increase their prosperity

Relative Gains

State measure its increase in welfare relative to other states

• Relates to realism: state will shy away from any agreement that make their competitor stronger