1. International Political Relations3
Jan Brzozowski, PhD
Department of European Studies

2. Liberalism and contemporary theories of IR
Liberal approach in IR
Neorealism x Neoliberalism
Interdependence and its consequences

3. The paradox of liberal thought
At a first glance, the world is more democratic than ever
76 countries (34.1%) at least flawed democracies, with Democracy Index >=6 (in scale 0-10) and populated by 49.3% of the world’s population in 2016
This might suggest a gradual absorption of liberal values by societies across the world

4. Democracy Index Map 2016
Source: Economist IU

5. Yet…

6. After the Arab Spring (2010-2013) the democracy is not gaining more influence
On the contrary, a small reduction can be increased
Which factors contributed to this process?

7. Discrepancy betwen domestic and foreign policy
Even if almost 50% of world population leaves in relative democracy, the liberal values can hardly ever dominate in IR
‘international affairs have been the nemesis of Liberalism’ (…) ‘The essence of Liberalism’ (…) ‘is self-restraint, moderation, compromise and peace’ whereas ‘the essence of international politics is exactly the opposite: troubled peace, at best, or the state of war’ (Hoffmann 1987: 396)

8. Liberalism
Fall of comunism and
The End of History
Creation of UN
Idealism
( )
Cold War
2nd World War
Realism

9. Internal liberalism (main components)
All citizens are juridically equal and possess certain basic rights to education, access to a free press, and religious toleration.
The legislative assembly of the state possesses only the authority invested in it by the people, whose basic rights it is not permitted to abuse.
A key dimension of the liberty of the individual is the right to own property, including productive forces.
Liberalism contends that the most effective system of economic exchange is one that is largely market driven and not one that is subordinate to bureaucratic regulation and control, either domestically or internationally.

10. Liberalism in IR (main characteristics)
liberalism aims to incorporate values of order, liberty, justice, and toleration into international relations
Emphasis on institutions and their efficiency at domestic and international level: they are crucial to protect and strenghten these values
Institutions create rules of the game (international law), but also provide a platform for peacful interaction between nation-states: a precodition for peacful co-existence
Cooperation vital in many aspects of IR: also cultural, sports etc., as enable negotiations in BIG POLITICS

11. Example: ping-pong diplomacy
Since communist revolution (1949) PRC and US were not keeping diplomatic relations
China was part of the communist block and an open enemy of Americans during the Korean War ( )
Yet in the 1960s the relations between USSR and China started to deteriorate
Richard Nixon administration has seen a chance to insert the wedge between Chinese-Soviet troubled relations

12. But there is no single liberalism Heterogenous/rival concepts exist Even on most important issues such as the origins of war

13. Source: Dunne Images of liberalism Public figure/period
Causes of conflict
Determinants of peace
First image (Human nature)
Richard Cobden (mid-19th century)
Interventions by governments domestically and internationally disturbing the natural order
Individual liberty, free trade, prosperity, interdependence
Second image (The state)
Woodrow Wilson (early 20th century)
Undemocratic nature of international politics, especially foreign policy and the balance of power
National self-determination; open governments responsive to public opinion; collective security
Third image (The structure of the system)
J. A. Hobson (early 20th century)
The balance of power system
A world government, with powers to mediate and enforce decisions
Source: Dunne

14. Neorealism x Neoliberalism
In order to understand most modern approaches to IR theory, we need to understand
The end of cold war finishes the bipolar model of IR
During cold war: rivalization of two superpowers (the US and USSR) and two blocks
Long term aliances within blocks, avoidance of direct confrontations between blocks
Paradoxically, the system of IR was relatively stable

15. Post-cold war international system
Relative dominance of the US
Quasi-unipolarity: no single superpower / no alliance of regional powers exist to balance the American power
AS IR research is Western-biased and often aims to consult Western politics, this situation is relativelly advantageous

16. Piorities in contemporary IR research
Keeping the current status-quo and the current distribution of power between the states
Identyfying potential threats to the stability of the system
Instead of changing the system: problem-soving theories
Partial convergence between liberal and rational paradigms
Security, conflict and cooperation between actors of IR: main aim of analyses
Inclusion of behavioral approaches and rational choice theory

17. Neorealism Emphasis on (military) security and military conflicts
Investigation of power distribution and survival of states in a hostile and anarchic (no supreme power) international system

18. The logic of international system depends on the distribution of power across nation-states
Power = capabilities of the state, mostly military but also economic, technological etc.
Power of the country determines its’ position in the hierarchy/structure of international system
Place in the hierarchy influences the behavior of the state

19. There is room for cooperation, but the problem of absolute and relative benefits exists
The countries interested in increasing their power/capabilities through cooperation (absolute benefits)
But cooperation increases the capabilities of other partners: therefore, the notion of relative benefits is crucial
States will default/exit from alliances when they will see that their partners gain more relative to their absolute benefits
So the cooperation is often short-lived and trust in a partner usually does not exist

20. Neoliberalism
Even in anarchic system of international relations cooperation between countries can be beneficial and long-lasting
Cooperation should be built from the economic level, and then extended on other areas (security and military cooperation is one of the most sensitive issues in this regard)

21. Interdependence
In globalized world it is very difficult for a single nation-state to achieve its goals (national interests)
Increased role of non-traditional actors, such as international organizations, NGOs, MNCs
Avoiding cooperation can be very costly, as interdependence brings not only benefits, but also threats/challenges
For instance: international security threats (terrorism)

22. Fukuyama: extension of republican liberalism
The end of history: triumph of liberal democracy is a historical fact
Linkage between capitalism and democracy
Promotion of free-market economy and human rights – a golden rule for peacful co-existence in 21st Century