Understanding Global Politics Lecture 5 Introduction to Liberalism

Understanding Global Politics Lecture 5: Introduction to Liberalism 1

John Locke (1632 -1704) n n Two Treatises of Government (1690); A powerful advocate of consent and constitutionalism; Consent—authority arises from below through the consent of the governed; Constitutionalism—the practice of limited government brought about through the existence of a constitution. 2

Immanuel Kant (1724 -1804) n n Critique of Pure Reason (1781) and Critique of Practical Reason (1788); Individualism—a belief in the primacy of the individual over any social group or collective body; The important of morality in politics; Reason would be a substitute for the use of force in world politics. 3

Jeremy Bentham (1748 -1832) n n n Fragments on Government (1776); Principles of Morals and Legislation (1789); Individuals are motivated by selfinterest and these interests are the desire for pleasure/happiness; Rational and calculating individuals capable of deciding what is best for themselves without much government interference. 4

The importance of individuals n n Individuals as the most important unit of analysis; Human beings are, first and foremost, individuals endowed with reason; Methodological individualism— individuals are central to any political theory or social explanation; Ethical individualism—priority should be given to individuals’ rights, needs and interests. 5

The role of the state n n Classical liberalism—a belief in minimal states, whose function is limited to the maintenance of domestic order; human beings, who are self-interested and self -sufficient, should be responsible for their own lives and circumstances; Modern/social liberalism—a more sympathetic attitude towards states, born out of the belief that unregulated markets produces various forms of injustice. 6

Social structures and relations n n Minimal states are possible because there is an underlying harmony of interests among individuals; Co-operation is a central feature of all human relations; States are composed of numerous persons representing a multitude of interests; Public decisions are informed by the public opinion and political consensus arising out of the clash of ideas and interests. 7

Pluralism n n As a normative term—diversity is healthy and desirable in itself because it safeguards individual freedom; As a descriptive term—political pluralism: the existence of electoral choice, a competitive party system, individuals represented through organised groups, equal access of organised groups to the policy process, fragmented states to offer groups access points. 8

From domestic to international n n Liberalism carried over into the international realm; Agree with realists that the state of anarchy characterises world (as opposed to domestic) politics; Anarchy contributes to suspicion and distrust and pose an obstacle to cooperation and peace; But a harmony of interests among states is possible; so is peace. 9

Optimistic views of inter-state relations n n Commercial liberalism—the expansion of international economic activities make it costly to go to war and increased economic interdependence creates disincentives to cut profitable relations; Regulatory liberalism—international laws and organisations contribute to the peaceful settlement of disputes among states and enhance global cooperation. 10

More reasons for optimism n n Democratic liberalism—the spread of democratic political systems make it impossible to confine questions of war and peace to a small group of political and military elites; concerns with domestic public opinions act as a brake on any moves towards international confrontation; Learning process—leaders and citizens learn how costly it would be to wage war. 11