Sociology | Mercantile Law | International Law | International Relations
What is Liberalism?
Liberalism as its name denotes, is a theory that defies the traditional and conservative style of observing International Relations. It is a theory that basically emphasizes upon the need of liberal thought and openness while maintaining international relations.
What is Idealism?
Idealism is nothing different from liberalism. It is part of the Liberal Approach which denotes a specific period of time in the world history following the First World War when the Liberals made an abortive effort to give this world an ideal system regulating the international relations. Idealism is also called ‘Utopianism’.
Proponents of Liberalism & Idealism
Among the classic and modern proponents of Idealism and liberalism come the following names;
- Immanuel Kant
- Thomas Jefferson
- James Madison
- John Locke
These above mentioned names were of classic scholars. The modern scholars included;
- Alferd Zimmern
- Norman Angell
- Woodrow Wilson
Fundamental Points of Liberal Approach in IR
The fundamental principles devised by the Liberal Approach in International Relations can be studied in following points;
- It is instinct of human being to cooperate for mutual welfare.
- Evil is an exceptional case in the Human nature.
- States in a similar context tend to cooperate in international affairs as they are governed by rational men.
- War cannot be eradicated however with mutual cooperation it can be reduced to the minimum possible level.
- There shall be promoted international harmony with the help of a global institute working to maintain the world peace.
Origin of Liberalism
Liberalism was actually founded after the chaotic World War One. It was the wish of the nation states to cooperate in order to eliminate war of this destructive level. Former American President Woodrow Wilson gave his historic 14 points to bring peace into the post – war world. He in the last of his points gave the idea of establishing an international organization that was materialized in the form of the ‘League of Nations’.
Criticism on Liberal & Ideal Approach
Liberalism and its more ambitious faction Idealism are criticized for utterly rejecting the realist basis of international relations. They are criticized for forwarding the utopian and impracticable schemes of regulating the relations between the states.
Failure of Liberalism?
Liberalism if not utterly failed then at least received a blow when the League met failure and world plunged into World War Two. The utopian scheme could not prevent the nationalistic tendencies of the League’s former members from disrupting the world order.
Conclusion
Liberalism is among the classic theoretical approaches of the International Relations. The theory carries massive support for its liberal and peaceful modes of regulating the international relations. However, it is criticized for its failure to prevent the world from another great war with its utopian schemes.