Liberalism, Neo-Liberalism and Neo-Realism (CHAPTER 8 & CHAPTER 9) by Cristina Duduiala - October 17, 2005 –

Introduction to Liberalism John Locke’s work (17th century) marks the origins of the Liberal ideology Liberalism became a dominant theory in the second half of the 20th century Liberalism is less appealing in today’s world (characterized by a lack of justice) Globalization raises new social and economic challenges and tensions within the Liberal theory

Liberal Principles and Their Evolution Liberal principles apply both to governments within states and to states themselves Order, liberty, and toleration within the international system The first Liberal focus has been on: the corruption of the undemocratic state leaders

The Evolution of the Liberal Principles During the Enlightenment: cosmopolitan morality and peace within the international relations system Idealism as a form of programmatic Enlightenment Liberal principles and its symbol: the League of Nations (1920) After 1945: the focus has been shifted from international institutions to national governments Nowadays: the Liberal world is dominated by Democratic peace Liberalism and neo-liberalism

Liberal Ideas and Globalization There are slight differences within the Liberal theory In the globalized world, there is more focus on the distinction between the positive and negative conception of Liberalism The four components of the Liberal ideology (i.e. juridical equality, democracy, liberty, and free market) are applied differently in the context of globalization The Liberalism of privilege explains the Liberal hegemony’s success after 1945 and its contribution to facing the challenges brought by globalization Radical Liberals proclaim the importance of imperialism and of the undemocratic states which follow exclusively their own selfish national interests

Conclusions regarding the Liberal Theory At the beginning of the 21st century: Liberal values still lack applicability In the era of globalization - Liberalism has two options: an orientation toward status quo, unevenly economic growth, and minimal international rules and institutions a strengthening of the regulation system in order to face democratically and successfully the challenges of globalization

Contemporary Mainstream Approaches: Neo-Realism and Neo-Liberalism Neo-realism and neo-liberalism represent two similar ideologies Their focus is on security, cooperation among states and political economy (for neo-realists) as well as on free trade, states’ possible gains from cooperation, human rights, and environmental issues (for neo-liberals) The two theories have their origins in the Realism and Liberalism, respectively Both know different variations and interpretations

Neo-Realism There are three types of Neo-realism: Waltz’s structural Realism Grieco’s neo-realism or modern Realism (focusing on absolute and relative gains) Defensive Realism or Neo-realism

Neo-Liberalism There are four types of Neo-liberalism: Commercial Liberalism Republican Liberalism Sociological Liberalism Liberal Institutionalism or neo-liberal Institutionalism

The Neo-Neo Debate It does not oppose two different worlds It shows that although the two theories study different worlds, they share similar ideas The debate proves that mainly neo-realists are less confident in cooperation than neo-liberal Institutionalists The shortcomings of the neo-neo debate: it fails to analyze the main assumptions of each theory

Comparison between Neo-Realist and Neo-Liberal Ideologies Neo-realists and neo-liberals agree on principles with regard to man, the state, and the international system Neo-liberal Institutionalists attempt to prove they are similar to neo-realists and to Realists However, neo-liberal foreign policies focus more on national and economic interests Both are normative theories with regard to the state, capitalist market, and the status quo Their principles are now challenged by the process of globalization

Neo-Liberal and Neo-Realist Views on Globalization Globalization has shifted the focus from states to international institutions and organizations Potential dangers identified by neo-realists in the era of globalization: state authority and control, security conflict, and inequality Potential dangers identified by neo-liberals in the era of globalization: uneven capital flows, discrimination and environmental issues

Final Conclusions Regarding the Neo-Realist and Neo-Liberal Theories Neo-realists and neo-liberal Institutionalists are status quo rationalist theories separated by minor differences Each theory attributes more importance only to some actors and policy strategies Neo-liberalism basically opposes the utopian or cosmopolitan variants of Liberalism Defensive and offensive neo-realists consider that power politics dominates a competitive uncertain system

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