Liberalism

key principles/ arguments of liberalism

• States can work together/ cooperate for common goals (not power-maximisers)

• Other groups matter (IGOs etc) not just states

• Look for peaceful solutions to problems- not just war/ security focused ‘war as a last resort’

• Collective security (looking out for all countries - not just own security)

• Need IGOs (institutions, rules, authority) to defend human rights/ peace

Liberalism key beliefs

• States are not the only actors

• International law is possible + desirable

• A state’s primary aim should not simply be to maximise power (non-zero sum)

• States can mutually benefit from cooperation

• Democracy in central to ensuring peace and security

• International trade creates interdependence

liberal key belief that states aren’t the only actors:

• Non-state actors can provide alternative ideas + choices

• Still believe that states are important but others matter too (TNCs, NGOs, IGOs)

liberalism key belief that international law is possible + desirable:

• It should hold states accountable + ensure basic standards, e.g. human rights

• Should be a way to stop/ prevent states from breaking the law (globally or towards own citizens)

Liberalism key belief that a states primary aim should not simply be to maximise power:

• The idea of power as a zero-sum game is flawed

• Looking at power in a more complex way, not finite/ fixed, not ‘I win you lose’

Liberalism key belief that states can mutually benefit from cooperation:

• E.g. in trade, security, + development

• Trade deals make goods cheaper, everyone is better off

Liberalism key belief that democracy is central to ensuring peace + security:

• Democratic states rarely fight

• Democratic peace theory:

  • Citizens rarely vote for war - greater trust - shared values

• Encourage spread of democracy

Key liberalism belief that international trade creates interdependence:

• Bringing states together + reducing conflict

• All rely on everyone else

• Inc global trade is good

• War damaging to trade + economy

• Cheaper to trade for recourses that take in war