Assumptions of Liberalism

Assumptions of liberalism
Rationality and inherent good nature are the defining characteristics of human kind
Rationality can be used in two distinctive ways:

■ in instrumental terms, as
the ability to articulate and pursue one’s ‘interests’;
■ the ability to understand moral principles and live according to the rule of law
While people rationally pursue their own interests, there is a potential harmony of interests between
people.
Cooperation is possible and is in fact a central feature of all human relations
Liberalism challenges the distinction between the domestic and the international realm,
claiming that multiple sets of relationships between people transcend national borders.
■ Government is necessary, but the centralisation of power is inherently bad.
■ Individual liberty is of supreme political importance.
people have no interest in prosecuting wars.

political pluralism and democracy must be a superior form of political organisation.
the distribution of different forms of power (including military, economic, socio-cultural and
intellectual forms) and
influence among a range of actors, rather than focusing solely on the state.
humans are important actors and possess agency to effect change.
all people must have inalienable human rights
concepts of interdependence and world society
1.
Rationality and Inherent Good Nature: Liberals believe that humans are
inherently rational beings capable of understanding and adhering to moral
principles and the rule of law. This rationality can be used instrumentally to
pursue one's interests but also to engage in moral reasoning.
2.
3.
Harmony of Interests: Despite individuals pursuing their own interests,
liberals argue that there is a potential for harmony between people. This
suggests that conflicts can be resolved through negotiation and cooperation
rather than through violence.
4.
5.
Cooperation: Liberals emphasize the possibility and desirability of
cooperation in all human relations, including international relations. They
believe that cooperation can lead to positive outcomes and that conflicts can
be managed peacefully through diplomacy and negotiation.
6.
7.
Challenging Distinctions Between Domestic and International: Liberals
challenge the idea that there is a strict divide between domestic and
international affairs. They argue that various relationships between individuals
and groups transcend national borders and that issues such as human rights
and democracy are relevant at both domestic and international levels.
8.
From these main points, we can infer several propositions that inform liberal
approaches to international relations:

War as an Aberration: Liberals tend to believe that war is not a natural
state of affairs and that people, left to their own devices, would not
engage in conflict. They see war as a failure of diplomacy and
cooperation rather than an inevitable outcome of human nature.


Political Pluralism and Democracy: Liberals view political pluralism
and democracy as superior forms of political organization because they
decentralize power and allow for individual liberty and participation in
decision-making.


Focus on Power Distribution and Multiple Actors: Liberals
emphasize the distribution of power and influence among various
actors, including not just states but also non-state actors such as
international organizations, NGOs, and multinational corporations. They
see power in multiple forms beyond just military strength, including
economic, socio-cultural, and intellectual power.


Human Agency and Importance: Liberals see humans as important
actors in international relations who have agency to effect change. They
believe that individuals and groups can make choices and take actions
that shape the course of international events.


Inalienable Human Rights: Liberals believe that all individuals possess
inalienable human rights by virtue of being rational beings. These rights
are seen as universal and should be protected by both domestic and
international institutions.


Universalism and World Community: Liberalism is a universalist
doctrine that sees all humans as part of a universal community beyond
national borders. This implies a commitment to principles of justice,
equality, and cooperation that transcend particularistic interests.


Permeable Boundaries and Interdependence: Liberals argue that in
the contemporary world, boundaries between states are becoming
increasingly permeable due to globalization and interconnectedness.
This leads to a greater degree of interdependence among states and
peoples, requiring cooperation and collective action to address global
challenges.


Assumptions of Liberalism

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Assumptions of liberalism

Rationality can be used in two distinctive ways:

Cooperation is possible and is in fact a central feature of all human relations

people have no interest in prosecuting wars.

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