Introduction
Liberalism is one of the most influential theories in International Relations (IR). It emphasizes cooperation, peace, and the role of institutions, in contrast to Realism, which focuses on power and conflict. Liberalism argues that states and non-state actors can work together to create a more peaceful and prosperous world. In this answer, we will explain the main assumptions of liberalism and then show how it differs from realism.
Main Assumptions of Liberalism
1. Human Nature is Good
Liberalism assumes that human beings are rational and capable of cooperation. Unlike realists who see humans as selfish and aggressive, liberals believe people can work for peace and progress.
2. Possibility of Peaceful Cooperation
Liberalism argues that states are not always in conflict. Through trade, diplomacy, and international organizations, states can cooperate and build peaceful relations. For example, the European Union (EU) is based on liberal principles of cooperation.
3. Importance of International Institutions
Liberals believe organizations like the United Nations (UN), World Trade Organization (WTO), and International Monetary Fund (IMF) play a key role in maintaining peace and order by setting rules and resolving disputes.
4. Role of Democracy
Liberalism emphasizes that democracies are less likely to go to war with each other. This is called the “Democratic Peace Theory.”
5. Interdependence
Liberals highlight economic interdependence between states. Countries that trade with each other are less likely to fight, as conflict would harm both sides.
6. Progress and Change
Liberalism believes that international politics is not fixed. States and societies can progress toward greater cooperation, human rights, and global governance.
How Liberalism is Different from Realism
1. View of Human Nature
- Liberalism: Human beings are rational and cooperative.
- Realism: Human beings are selfish and power-seeking.
2. Main Goal of States
- Liberalism: States aim for peace, prosperity, and cooperation.
- Realism: States aim to survive and gain power in an anarchic world.
3. Role of International Institutions
- Liberalism: Institutions help maintain peace and cooperation.
- Realism: Institutions have little power; states act in self-interest.
4. Conflict vs. Cooperation
- Liberalism: Cooperation is possible and desirable.
- Realism: Conflict and competition are inevitable.
5. Change in International Politics
- Liberalism: Believes in progress and transformation of world politics.
- Realism: Believes international politics is constant and shaped by power struggles.
Example
During the Cold War, realism explained the US-Soviet rivalry as a struggle for power. After the Cold War, liberalism explained the rise of institutions like the UN and EU as efforts toward cooperation and peace.
Conclusion
Liberalism assumes that international politics can be peaceful through cooperation, democracy, and institutions, while realism emphasizes conflict and power. Both theories provide useful insights, but liberalism highlights hope for progress, whereas realism highlights the dangers of conflict. Together, they help us understand the complexities of world politics.