liberalism

Liberalism

A political ideology that emphasizes the equality of humans, the pursuit of individual interests, cooperation among individuals, and the importance of economic power to humans.

John Locke

An English philosopher who developed a theory of political authority based on natural individual rights and the consent of the governed.

Immanuel Kant

A German philosopher who based his liberalism on the idea of freedom from other people's choices and universal rationality.

Adam Smith

A Scottish economist and philosopher who argued for societies to prosper through individuals pursuing their self-interest within an economic system based on private ownership and competitive markets.

John Ikenberry

An international relations theorist who focuses on the liberal international order, supporting international institutions, open markets, cooperative security, and liberal democracy.

Robert Keohane

Associated with the theory of neoliberal institutionalism in international relations, emphasizing the role of institutions in defining state action and promoting cooperation.

Reaction to Realism

Liberals believe that realism's understanding of security is too simplistic and that there are economic and social factors to security. They argue that realism is outdated and inadequate in addressing the complexities of post-Cold War issues.

Components of Liberal IR Theory

States serve their interests through cooperation, shared values advance cooperation, international trade and economic interactions restrain violence, and international institutions facilitate cooperation and provide a forum for peaceful resolution of disagreements.

Classical liberalism

A type of liberalism that focuses on liberty and limited government intervention.

New liberalism

A type of liberalism that advocates for social welfare and equality.

Neo-liberalism

A type of liberalism that promotes free markets and deregulation.

Utilitarianism

A type of liberalism that seeks to maximize happiness and minimize suffering.