The belief that international cooperation and institutions can lead to peaceful resolution of conflicts and mutual gains for states.
The origins of liberalism: This topic covers the historical development of liberal political thought and its early European origins in the Enlightenment and the Age of Revolution.
Liberalism and individualism: This topic explores the fundamental principle of liberalism that individuals should be free to pursue their own interests without interference from the state or other authority figures.
Liberalism and democracy: This topic examines the relationship between liberalism and democracy, with a particular focus on how liberal political institutions – such as free and fair elections, rule of law, and respect for civil liberties – are necessary for the functioning of democratic societies.
Economic liberalism: This topic covers the economic principles that underpin liberal political philosophy, including free markets, private property rights, and limited government intervention in the economy.
Neo-liberalism: This is a more recent development of economic liberalism. This topic covers the application and consequences of neo-liberal policies in international relations.
International institutions and cooperation: This topic focuses on the role of international institutions and organizations in fostering cooperation and resolving conflict among liberal democracies on the world stage.
Globalization and its implications for liberalism: This topic explores the impact of globalization on liberal values, such as free trade, freedom of movement, and international cooperation.
Human rights and liberalism: This topic covers the relationship between liberalism and human rights, with a particular focus on how liberal democracies have developed a framework for protecting individual freedoms and promoting respect for human rights around the world.
International security and liberalism: This topic examines the role of liberal political philosophy in shaping international security policy, including the promotion of multilateral disarmament agreements and the establishment of peacekeeping and conflict resolution mechanisms.
Challenges to liberalism: This topic focuses on the challenges that liberal democracies face in the contemporary world, including rising authoritarianism, populism, and nationalism, as well as the resurgence of traditional great power politics.
Classical Liberalism: This type of liberalism posits that free markets and free individuals are important for the international relations field. It focuses on the classical economic theories of Adam Smith and David Ricardo and advocates for minimal state intervention in the market.
Economic Liberalism: This type of liberalism emphasizes the importance of economic cooperation and free trade between countries. Economic liberalism advocates for policies that promote economic growth and job creation through open markets and competition.
Neo-Liberalism: This type of liberalism is more of a revised form of classical liberalism. It advocates for free trade, open markets, and globalization. It seeks to reduce trade barriers and regulations that hinder the growth of global markets.
Democratic Liberalism: This type of liberalism emphasizes democracy and individual rights. It advocates for the spread of democracy and seeks to promote democratic values around the globe.
Institutional Liberalism: This type of liberalism posits that international institutions are an important means of addressing global problems. It emphasizes the role of institutions like the United Nations, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund in shaping global policies and solving international conflicts.
Social Liberalism: This type of liberalism emphasizes the importance of social justice and human rights. It advocates for policies that promote equality, tolerance, and justice. Social liberalism seeks to support marginalized groups and promote inclusive policies that benefit society as a whole.