The Theory Of Liberalism In International Relations

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I. The Core Premises of Liberalism

Liberalism – in the context of international relations – is defined as a theory that centers around society, mutual dependence, and progressive developments; these focal points are used as a basis to remedy the all-pervasive concerns of IR – the causes of war and the pursuit for peace. Specifically, the liberal international relations theory centers around the principles of Liberalism and Neoliberalism; which are respectively known for the recommendations of peace attainment through an open economy as well as democracy (Liberalism) and peace through institutions (Neoliberalism).

The three predominant concepts for peace in liberalism are linked with the ideas expressed by two influential persons, Immanuel Kant and Micheal Doyle. Immanuel Kant’s essay, Perpetual Peace: A Philosophical Sketch was responsible for identifying the three conditions for perpetual peace which are economic interdependence, democratic peace theory, and the importance of institutions to regulate peace – respectively termed in his essay as, “universal hospitality”, the need for “republican constitutions” , and the “federation of free states” – and eventually, these became fundamental in setting the dimensions of the theory of liberalism (Kant, 1795; Cristol, 2017). As for Micheal Doyle in his Liberalism and World Politics, he examined Schumpeter, Machiavelli, and Kant wherein he solidified and provided an insightful overview of the three theoretical practices of liberalism which were labeled as “liberal pacifism”, “liberal imperialism”, and “liberal internationalism”. Ultimately, these two works provide a vital understanding on the present principles of the liberal theory in international relations.

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II. Liberalism: Pillars towards Peace

Basically, the three main pillars that liberalism offers in order to culture peace in the international realm is gathered around the platforms of economy, democratic diplomacy, and institutions. The main ramifications of these theoretical approaches is the development and protection of freedom as well as the promotion of shared interests and cooperation between states.

A. Trade: Peace through Interdependence

The assumption that engaging in economic ties with other states can result in the fulfillment of international peace is the core belief of the first theoretical recommendation of liberalism. Essentially, the concept of interdependence plays a vital role in this theory which is produced by the integration of economies in the global environment.

Interdependence Liberalism encourages the act of free trade between nations wherein trade stimulates peace through connection and transnational ties that increases recognition among states; additionally, the act of commerce solidifies the partnership of involved parties for it discourages states to undergo war due to the significant amount of economic loss it may induce.4 Economic incentives are another way that the liberal peace theory is exercised wherein it is evident in foreign investments as well as the reduction of tariffs; a number of studies have proven that there is a definite correlation between peace and the reduction of regulatory trade barriers for it eventually makes nations trade instead of invade (Mcdonald, 2004; Tanious, 2019). Consequently, – through the aforementioned methods – this will ideally foster and nurture a relationship of absolute gain between states that can deter any possible intentions to seek conflict caused by individualistic state interests; also, this nurtured relationship can even lead to the democratizing effect of trade. Thus, the establishment of a harmonious global society through market relations.

B. Democracy: Peace through Constitution

Republican Liberalism is mainly composed of the democratic peace theory and the benefits of transparency that is evident and practiced in democracies. Democratic peace theory states that democratic countries are less inclined to wage war against other democracies; additionally, when democratic countries are in a state of conflict their plan of action is done through an amicable and diplomatic mechanism. Furthermore, transparent diplomatic discussions by the representatives – popularized by American president Woodrow Wilson during the Paris Peace Conference – that are responsive to the views and opinions of the public makes democratic countries less prone to form secret political alliances that may lead to unrest and then eventually conflict.

The role of democracy in international relations is it imparted the foundation for its moral identity of liberal peace; where it denotes that a republican constitution is vital in eliminating potential autocratic individuals that seeks to destabilize the domestic or world order, as well as the understanding of the rights of all citizens and democracies promotes a sense of liberal norm and order, which later on provides the structure that international law can be built on. Conclusively, democracy in the international realm provides peace through a system of transparency and its advocacy of a representative and rights-based form of government.

C. Institutions: Peace through Structure

Liberal Institutionalism involves the assumption that national and international institutions play an integral role in facilitating alliances, unity, and peace between states. Substantially, the theory revolves around the concept of cooperation wherein the recognition of an international citizenship – bounded by international laws and administered by intergovernmental institutions – is detrimental in incorporating harmony in the global arena. As an example, one of the most prominent international institutions – with a total of 129 member-states – is the United Nations where its multifaceted purpose are: to maintain peace and security internationally, to promote diplomacy among nations, and to cooperate in resolving global as well as humanitarian issues. Through institutions, more states subscribe to universalist values – which guide how all members of the group must be treated – and by the formation of a set of norms, the group itself develops the concept of common good within their international society; and therefore, creates a space of cooperation and mutual dependence as well as a sphere of security through its functionality to check and balance its members.

III. A Perspective on Liberalism

If we were to closely look at Liberalism, it would suggest that it holds freedom & democracy as an essential core of its principles. It stresses the importance of freedom of individuals as well as the freedom experienced in trading; which helps create this sense of security and trust in a micro and macro scale of the international stage that nations are involved in. Moreover, it also argues that the democratic system of government is preferred in order to reinforce peace. Democratic countries are more conditioned for peace due to its trait of transparency as well as its tendency to create social & economic interdependence with other states. In institutions as well, the influence of democracy can be found wherein transparency is vital towards diplomacy and the deliberation of decisions are influenced by voting through its representatives which is observed in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the United Nations Security Council. Overall, Liberalism suggests that the catalyst towards peace in International Relations lie towards the interdependence of states through trade, the transparency of a democratic system of government (which leads to a sense of security & fosters mutual dependence), and the administrative task of international institutions to regulate state behavior.

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