NAME: IKE-OSEMEHA DEBORAH

MATRIC NUMBER: 21AK028951

COURSE: POLICY AND STRATEGIC STUDIES

COURSE CODE: PSS 322 (THEORIES OF PEACE AND WAR)

QUESTION

1. Liberal Theory of International Relations

2. Assumptions OF Liberal Theory of International Relations
LIBERAL THEORY OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

In the study of international relations, the liberal theory of relations is a viewpoint that highlights
the influence of non-state actors, international bodies, and state collaboration on global politics.
Liberal theorists contend that other crucial elements of the international system, such as
international law, economic interdependence, and democracy, have the same influence over
world events as states do. Liberal democracy can be viewed as a family portrait of institutions
and ideas because liberal democratic cultures are by definition related. These attributes include
equality of opportunity, private property, political engagement, and individual freedom. Political
scientists assert that a fundamental tenet of liberalism is respect for individual freedom.

A liberal's economic, social, and political beliefs emphasise freedom, tolerance, and peace; they
see the individual as the smallest structural unit of society, not the family; they favour the
separation of powers over the unity of authority; they defend the rule of law and human rights;
and they propagate the notion that all individuals are created equal, both morally and legally.
Furthermore, liberalism encourages the notion that civil society should be involved in social
concerns rather than the state playing a leading role, and that the market should naturally evolve
by supply and demand balance rather than the state dominating the economy.

The concepts of classical liberal philosophers like Adam Smith, John Locke, and Immanuel
Kant, as well as Enlightenment ideas, form the foundation of the liberal theory of IR. These
intellectuals placed a strong importance on human growth, the rule of law, and individual rights.
Liberal internationalism developed in the early 20th century to create international organisations
and guidelines that would support a more harmonious and cooperative world order.

FEATURES OF LIBERAL THEORY OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

1. Optimism about Human Nature: Liberalism asserts that morality and reason are innate
traits of human beings. The Realist viewpoint, which believes that power and self-interest
are what drive human nature primarily, stands in stark contrast to this upbeat viewpoint.
 Liberals think that cooperation between people and governments can lead to win-win
situations.
2. 2. Interdependence and Globalisation: A fundamental tenet of liberal thought is economic
interdependence. According to the theory, mutual dependencies between states are
produced by trade and economic links, which deters war and increases the benefits of
cooperation. These interdependencies have grown stronger as a result of globalisation,
creating a more interconnected globe in which the decisions made in one state can have a
big influence on others.
3. 3. Democratic Peace Theory: One of the most influential aspects of Liberalism is the
Democratic Peace Theory, which argues that democracies are less likely to go to war
with each other. This theory is based on the idea that democratic leaders are accountable
to their citizens, who are generally opposed to the costs and risks of war. Democratic
institutions promote transparency, negotiation, and peaceful conflict resolution.
4. 4. Economic Liberalism and Open Markets: Liberalism promotes open markets and free
trade, claiming that these bring about more wealth and peace. Economic liberalism,
which advocates for less trade restrictions and government involvement in the market, is
said to foster interdependence and prosperity, which serve as deterrents to war.
5. Regional Integration: To improve collaboration, lower the likelihood of conflict, and
handle shared issues, liberalism supports regional integration initiatives. One example is
the European Union (EU), which aims to advance stability and prosperity in Europe by
integrating its political and economic systems.

EXAMPLES OF APPLICATION OF LIBERAL THEORY

Real-world international institutions and policies have been influenced by liberal thought.
Here are a few instances:

 European Union (EU): Through Integration and Cooperation, the EU is widely

recognised as a model of liberal principles in action. The political and economic
union of European nations has brought unprecedented peace and stability to the area.
Furthermore, the creation of a single market and the unhindered flow of goods,
 capital, and people inside the European Union are prime examples of liberal ideas of
economic interdependence and cooperation.
 United Nations (UN): The UN acts to avert conflicts, offer humanitarian aid, and
advance human rights throughout the world. It also promotes international
cooperation and multilateral diplomacy on global issues such as development, health,
and climate change. The UN represents the liberal principle of collective security
through its various agencies and peacekeeping missions.
 World Trade Organization (WTO): The WTO promotes free trade and economic
interdependence by establishing rules and norms for international trade. It aims to
reduce trade barriers and resolve disputes between member states. As an international
institution, the WTO plays a crucial role in managing global economic relations and
fostering cooperation among states

ASSUMPTIONS OF LIBERAL THEORY

1. Rationalty: Liberals assume that states and individuals thoroughly consider the
advantages and disadvantages of their choices before acting. This suggests that people
prioritise each interest over the others, think through the consequences of their
choices, and decide on the best course of action. State leaders and their domestic
supporters utilise foreign policy as a weapon to gain advantages from (or avoid costs
imposed by) entities outside of their borders by using the rationality assumption.
States determine the most cost-effective means of achieving their objectives, or
preferences, as they see fit.
2. International Cooperation: As opposed to the aggression of realist theory which
assumes that power or military might is, or should be, the primary goal of political
action liberalism believes that power should be measured or amassed instead through
state economies, political freedoms and rights along with the possibilities of peace
and cooperation. It claims that progress in human history can best be measured by the
elimination of global conflict and the extent to which democracies have transcended
violent instincts. Those diplomats who understand and practice liberalism to represent
their state offer the possibility of peace even as states amass power and pursue
economic progress through the expansion free trade and market capitalism. This is in
 contrast to the democratic peace theory, which holds that the spread of democracy
will result in greater international peace.
3. Democratic Peace Theory: Democratic peace theory argues that democracies rarely,
if ever, go to war with one another. Generally speaking, democratic governments
focus mostly on maintaining internal stability, ensuring that their respective
populations have all of their social, political and economic needs properly satisfied.
The democratic peace theory purports that a spread of democracy will result in
greater international peace and that democratic political institutions make it so that
governments are blocked from initiating war without the consent of the electorate.
Diplomats and government officials being held accountable by the people they
represent or the parliamentary government is an important aspect of maintaining
international peace. Within the democratic peace theory of liberalism, professionals
must understand the factors motivating the pursuit of peace among democratic states.
Factors include culpability for leaders in the event of war, accountability to
international diplomatic entities such as the United Nations, and a democratic state’s
possible loss of economic wealth. By understanding basic motivations for peace,
diplomats are more likely to protect these principles during tense negotiations or
conflicts that may otherwise lead to war.

4. Role of International Institutions: It is claimed that organisations such as the United

Nations, the World Trade Organisation, and international treaties promote
cooperation by guaranteeing adherence to international rules, lowering ambiguity,
and offering a framework for predictable interactions. Liberals hold that international
organisations, rules, and conventions may encourage collaboration and control the
actions of states. They make the supposition that states can cooperate to address
issues of common concern and interest. International organizations and collective
security arrangements are effective means to address global challenges and maintain
peace. Multilateralism, or the cooperation of multiple countries, is preferred over
unilateral actions.
5. Importance of Non-State Actors: The rise of a global civil society, which consists
of people and organisations that advocate for shared causes across national
boundaries, is viewed as a force for positive change in international relations. Non-
state actors, such as international institutions, multinational corporations, and NGOs,
can influence state behaviour and play a significant role in shaping international
relations.