Plan for Today:Forms of Liberalism in IR

1. Introducing major shared principles of liberalism – domestic and international.

2. Summary introduction to liberal schools in IR.

3. Delving into Kantian liberalism and “English school”.

Liberalism

Common Themes in Liberal Thought

Major Strands of Thought:1. Market liberalism: Humans as utility-

maximizing, free, competitive beings (utilitarianism and market capitalism).

2. Ethical liberalism: Emphasis on political freedom, constitutionalism, individual human rights, democracy. Sees humans as striving to reach their potential.

Liberal Thought at the Domestic Level

1. Social contract theory of state’s relationship with citizens (ethical liberalism). E.g. John Locke

2. Classical and neoclassical economic liberalism (market liberalism). E.g. Adam Smith

Liberal Thought at the International Level

General Principles:1. History is progress: better ideas and

conduct win out over bad. 2. Durable institutions can be developed and

international actors will abide by them.3. States have other objectives besides

security.4. War is abnormal; cooperation is normal.

Strands of Liberalism in IR:

1. Kantian Liberalism1. Humans progressive and will eventually

achieve perpetual peace and prosperity. 2. Liberal states have transcended violent

instincts.

Strands of Liberalism in IR:

2. “English School” (International Society)1. Hedley Bull (1970s-80s).2. Very limited liberalism – some important

but limited norms of society have developed in IR.

3. Also called “Liberal Realism”.

3. Liberal Interdependence Theory1. Multiple kinds of actors included as important in IR.2. World full of interdependent linkages, which can lead to cooperation.3. Technological innovation leads to more opportunities for cooperation.4. World becoming better and more cooperative over time.

Strands of Liberalism in IR:

Strands of Liberalism in IR:

4. Neoliberal Institutionalism1. States rational actors in self-help system;

international system is anarchic.

2. Cooperation can develop under anarchy through mutual interest and repeated interactions.

3. Normal state of world is some cooperation; more peace than conflict.

4.

An Older Form Of Liberalism:Kant (18th C.)

1. Human society makes progress and improves over time.

2. Eventually humans will create a “perpetual peace” among nations.

Older Forms of Liberalism:Kant (18th C.)

States will eventually enter into a “League of Peace.” Member states relinquish international

security to league as collective business, but maintain own domestic laws.

League of peace not just a treaty to end single war, but pact to end wars forever.

Older Forms of Liberalism:Kant (18th C.)

Elements of both human will and “nature’s will” in explaining how perpetual peace would come about.

Older Forms of Liberalism:Kant (18th C.)

Elements of human will and self-interest:

1. States must become “republican” since tyrannical leaders much more likely to go to war carelessly.

2. By engaging in commerce with one another, in own interest to cooperate.

Older Forms of Liberalism:Kant (18th C.)

Elements of destiny and nature’s will: “Nature inexorably wills that the right

should finally triumph. What we neglect to do comes about by itself, though with great inconveniences to us.”

Perpetual peace will happen whether we want it to or not.

Newer Forms of Liberalism:

1. “English School” (International Society).2. Liberal Interdependence.3. Neoliberal Institutionalism.

International Society/ “English School”: Hedley Bull

The Anarchical Society (1977) Argued that a society of sorts has

developed in international politics. Criticizes realist view that anarchy is

brutal: International state of nature not

Hobbesian state of nature. Perhaps Lockean state of nature instead.

International Society/ “English School”: Hedley Bull

Limited society develops in system of states that are in constant contact with one another.

Examples:1. “Hue and cry” raised by other states

when one state does something morally abhorrent.

2. Loyalty among allies – carries on beyond the security needs of states.