03 - Liberalism

Q: What is the core liberal view of human nature?

Humans are capable of progress; interests can change, and cooperation is both possible and beneficial.

Q: How do liberals view anarchy?

Anarchy exists, but its negative effects can be mitigated through cooperation, interdependence, and institutions (legitimate authority).

Q: Why are international institutions important in liberalism?

They facilitate communication, reduce uncertainty, and help states cooperate under anarchy.

Q: What is a variable-sum game?

A situation where one state's gain does not necessarily mean another state's loss.

Q: What are absolute gains?

Gains measured independently—states care about improving their own position, not about others surpassing them.

Q: Why do liberals emphasize cooperation?

Cooperation allows specialization, reduces costs, increases efficiency, and benefits all states.

Q: What is modernization in liberal theory?

The process through which human progress, reason, and cooperation develop modern states.

Q: What did Locke argue?

States exist to protect citizens; citizens retain supremacy and benefit from rule of law.

Q: What did Bentham contribute?

Liberal states respect international law because they value rule of law domestically.

Q: What did Kant argue?

Republics respecting law and rights can create perpetual peace in the international system; democracies do not fight each other.

Q: What is classical liberalism’s view of institutions?

Institutions shape human behaviour, promote progress, and restrain state actions.

Q: How does capitalism relate to liberalism?

Capitalism reflects liberal values of individual freedom and requires democratic accountability.

Q: Why did democracy spread after WWII?

Institutions like the IMF and World Bank required democratic reforms for funding.

Q: What is interdependence liberalism?

The idea that increasing transactions and connections between states stimulate cooperation.

Q: What is institutional liberalism?

The belief that international institutions make cooperation easier and more likely.

Q: What is republican liberalism?

The theory that liberal democracies are more peaceful and law-abiding.

Q: What is neoliberal institutionalism?

A systemic-level theory combining interdependence and institutional liberalism, arguing institutions reduce anarchy’s effects.

Q: How do neoliberals differ from neorealists?

Neoliberals believe in absolute gains and cooperation; neorealists focus on relative gains and conflict.

Q: What is complex interdependence?

A condition where states are deeply interconnected, reducing the relevance of military force.

Q: What are the characteristics of complex interdependence?

Multiple channels of interaction, no hierarchy of issues, and reduced importance of military force.

Q: What is the Kantian triangle?

Peace is achieved through democracy, economic interdependence, and international organizations.

Q: What is monadic peace theory?

Democracies are less likely to initiate war.

Q: What is dyadic peace theory?

Democracies do not fight (physical war) each other.

Q: Why do democracies remain peaceful with each other?

Shared values, peaceful political culture, and strong economic ties.

Q: What is functionalism?

The idea that governance structures arise from the functions they perform for citizens.

Q: What is regime theory?

The study of how principles, norms, and rules facilitate cooperation and constrain state behaviour.

Q: What is a key realist critique of liberalism?

Liberals are too optimistic and assume powerful states will always follow rules.

Q: What is the difference between absolute and relative gains?

Absolute gains focus on improving one’s own position; relative gains focus on preventing others from surpassing you.