Theories of International Relations - Liberalism

The idea that democratic elections allow citizens to hold their leaders accountable and prevent unwanted conflicts.

The failure of democratic nations to create strong alliances and prevent conflicts before World War I.

The belief that international cooperation through organizations like the League of Nations can prevent wars.

The idea that international cooperation through treaties and organizations can prevent future conflicts.

The failure of utopian liberalism in preventing World War II due to lack of enforcement, hypocrisy, and distrust.

The belief that modern liberalism, with its emphasis on international interdependence and institutions, can create a more peaceful world.

The branch of modern liberalism that focuses on the evolving relationships between individuals and groups across national borders.

Sociological liberalism argues that peaceful relationships between individuals, leading to more peaceful relations between states.

A perspective in international relations that sees humans as capable of reason and collaboration, emphasizing the potential for international cooperation and progress.

The belief that human societies can improve over time through reason, technology, and social progress.

A state governed by a constitution, where power is limited and rights are protected, emphasizing the rule of law.

A state where power is concentrated in the hands of a ruler or elite, with little regard for individual rights or laws.

A liberal approach that emerged after World War I, aiming to prevent future wars through international cooperation and democratic institutions.

The idea that democracies are less likely to engage in wars with each other due to shared values, peaceful conflict resolution mechanisms, and public opinion.

A system of international alliances and agreements that contributed to the outbreak of World War I, as it made war more likely due to interconnected interests.

The idea that non-democratic states, driven by self-interest and power politics, were responsible for starting World War I.

The idea that liberal democracies, by their very nature, foster a culture of peaceful conflict resolution, leading to increased peace and stability.

The assumption that liberal democracies are more peaceful and law-abiding than other political systems.

Citizens are the ones who fight and die in wars. If they can vote, they will choose not to fight.

Democratic norms, peaceful relations between states, and economic cooperation and interdependence.

Healthy connections between different groups in society that spread economic wealth and encourage collaboration.

Effective systems that hold political leaders accountable through elections, ensuring democratic power.

The idea that international trade and cooperation are essential for economic growth and can make war less appealing.

The recognition that the international system is not just made up of states, but also by complex institutional layers that create repeated interaction.

The concept that states are more likely to cooperate if they anticipate repeated interactions over time, often facilitated by institutions.

An arrangement where an attack on one member is considered an attack on all, deterring aggression. Often implemented through international institutions.

International organizations providing mechanisms for resolving disputes peacefully through legal and diplomatic channels, reducing the likelihood of war.

The recognition that countries are increasingly interconnected in economic matters and institutions can manage and benefit from this interdependence.

The idea that while participating in international institutions may have short-term costs, the long-term benefits of cooperation outweigh these costs.

The degree to which an international institution's rules and norms are shared by its members, leading to predictable and compliant behavior.

The extent to which expectations about behavior are clearly specified in the rules of an international institution.

The ability of an international institution to adjust its rules to adapt to changing external circumstances.