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Institutional Liberalism
182
Institutional
Liberalism
Liberals
AM25671-4-MPI
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By: Syafiq, Rayya, George, Wania and Mohammed
Definition
Institutional liberalism or liberal institutionalism is a modern theory of International Relations where the dominant view is that cooperation in world politics can be enhanced through the construction and support of multilateral institutions based on liberal principles such as institutions like: UN, NATO or EU.
Institutional liberals argue that international institutions make cooperation easier and far more likely and that states are not main actors of International Relations.
It is related to the Democratic peace theory as well as Neoliberalism where there is a market driven approach to economic and social policy based on neoclassical theories of economics.
Background
The start of Institutional Liberalism
According to Robert Keohane, there was a period of liberal dominance where in which there were three growing trends which brought about Institutional Liberalism. They are:
1. Increasing legalization
2. Trend towards more legalism and moralism;
3. A decline in the coherence of some international regimes,
At this time Institutional Liberalism recognized the dependence of economics in politics. Institutional Liberalism provides one basis for political authority, conceived as a ‘fusion of power and legitimate social purpose’. The roots of Institutional Liberalism lay less in specific views of capitalism and the state than in pluralist conceptions of power and interests that are well expressed in the works of James Madison : "The people, broadly conceived, should rule, but they have to rule through institutions. At some moments, when publics are attuned to political events and leadership is responsive, government ‘by the people’ is very progressive and effective".
Aims
Main aims
- To encourage trade as a way of fostering unity between states and as a mean to dispute settlements.
- To discourage against the narrow pursuit of individual self interest but rather encourage cooperation.
- To encourage membership of international institutions because it would lead to a wider view of self interest for the sole purpose of encouraging cooperation.
- To encourage trade relations among states because it would lead to elimination of war and sees war as a cancer and democracy and free trade as the cure.
- Preach free trade and removal of trade barriers to commerce.
- Maintain and enhance economic stability and smoothen relations among countries.
Social Purpose
Social Purpose
The social purpose of Institutional Liberalism is to boost positive effects on human security, human welfare and human liberty as a result of a more peaceful, flourishing and free world. Institutional Liberalism justifies the use of power in constructing institutions on the basis of this conception of social purpose.
Debate
Criticism
During the 1980’s and 1990’s there was great debate between realists and liberal institutionalists about whether liberal institutionalism was really an alternative to realism with critiques by Stanley Hoffman and Joseph Grieco pointing out that international organizations such as the United Nations during the Cold War were paralyzed by US-Soviet veto’s and the financial needs of liberal states to deal with security issues led to ‘meager resources for the development of poorer states.
That said whilst Hoffman and Grieco are right to criticize liberal institutionalism and the ineffectiveness of the United Nations, many liberal institutionalists would argue this is a fallacy, as since the end of the Cold War, states have been dealing with security issues such as nuclear non-proliferation, civil war and the threat of terrorism through international organizations such as the United Nations.
Some Quotes About Liberalism &
Institutional Liberalism
Quotes
"Transformation from a jungle of chaotic power politics to a zoo of regulated and peaceful intercourse through the building of IGOs". - Woodrow Wilson
“even if … anarchy constrains the willingness of states to cooperate, states nevertheless can work together and can do, esp. with the assistance of international institutions”
- Robert Keohane and Nye
George Washington
James G. Watt
Paul Krugman
Conclusion
Conclusion
Since 1991, Institutional Liberalism have been increasingly legalised.
Institutional Liberalism is a theory that claims that international institutions and organisations can increase cooperation between states.
Institutional Liberals can learn from a core lesson in Realism: Institutions rest on power and changes in power generate changes in institutions.
Institutional Liberalism doesn't offer a promise of continuous progress but a source of hope for improvement coupled with institutional checks and balances against retrogression.