1. Liberalism, Neo-Liberalism and Neo-Realism
(CHAPTER 8 & CHAPTER 9)
by Cristina Duduiala
- October 17, 2005 –

2. Introduction to Liberalism
John Locke’s work (17th century) marks the origins of the Liberal ideology
Liberalism became a dominant theory in the second half of the 20th century
Liberalism is less appealing in today’s world (characterized by a lack of justice)
Globalization raises new social and economic challenges and tensions within the Liberal theory

3. Liberal Principles and Their Evolution
Liberal principles apply both to governments within states and to states themselves
Order, liberty, and toleration within the international system
The first Liberal focus has been on: the corruption of the undemocratic state leaders

4. The Evolution of the Liberal Principles
During the Enlightenment: cosmopolitan morality and peace within the international relations system
Idealism as a form of programmatic Enlightenment Liberal principles and its symbol: the League of Nations (1920)
After 1945: the focus has been shifted from international institutions to national governments
Nowadays: the Liberal world is dominated by Democratic peace Liberalism and neo-liberalism

5. Liberal Ideas and Globalization
There are slight differences within the Liberal theory
In the globalized world, there is more focus on the distinction between the positive and negative conception of Liberalism
The four components of the Liberal ideology (i.e. juridical equality, democracy, liberty, and free market) are applied differently in the context of globalization
The Liberalism of privilege explains the Liberal hegemony’s success after 1945 and its contribution to facing the challenges brought by globalization
Radical Liberals proclaim the importance of imperialism and of the undemocratic states which follow exclusively their own selfish national interests

6. Conclusions regarding the Liberal Theory
At the beginning of the 21st century: Liberal values still lack applicability
In the era of globalization - Liberalism has two options:
an orientation toward status quo, unevenly economic growth, and minimal international rules and institutions
a strengthening of the regulation system in order to face democratically and successfully the challenges of globalization

7. Contemporary Mainstream Approaches: Neo-Realism and Neo-Liberalism
Neo-realism and neo-liberalism represent two similar ideologies
Their focus is on security, cooperation among states and political economy (for neo-realists) as well as on free trade, states’ possible gains from cooperation, human rights, and environmental issues (for neo-liberals)
The two theories have their origins in the Realism and Liberalism, respectively
Both know different variations and interpretations

8. Neo-Realism There are three types of Neo-realism:
Waltz’s structural Realism
Grieco’s neo-realism or modern Realism (focusing on absolute and relative gains)
Defensive Realism or Neo-realism

9. Neo-Liberalism There are four types of Neo-liberalism:
Commercial Liberalism
Republican Liberalism
Sociological Liberalism
Liberal Institutionalism or neo-liberal Institutionalism

10. The Neo-Neo Debate It does not oppose two different worlds
It shows that although the two theories study different worlds, they share similar ideas
The debate proves that mainly neo-realists are less confident in cooperation than neo-liberal Institutionalists
The shortcomings of the neo-neo debate: it fails to analyze the main assumptions of each theory

11. Comparison between Neo-Realist and Neo-Liberal Ideologies
Neo-realists and neo-liberals agree on principles with regard to man, the state, and the international system
Neo-liberal Institutionalists attempt to prove they are similar to neo-realists and to Realists
However, neo-liberal foreign policies focus more on national and economic interests
Both are normative theories with regard to the state, capitalist market, and the status quo
Their principles are now challenged by the process of globalization

12. Neo-Liberal and Neo-Realist Views on Globalization
Globalization has shifted the focus from states to international institutions and organizations
Potential dangers identified by neo-realists in the era of globalization: state authority and control, security conflict, and inequality
Potential dangers identified by neo-liberals in the era of globalization: uneven capital flows, discrimination and environmental issues

13. Final Conclusions Regarding the Neo-Realist and Neo-Liberal Theories
Neo-realists and neo-liberal Institutionalists are status quo rationalist theories separated by minor differences
Each theory attributes more importance only to some actors and policy strategies
Neo-liberalism basically opposes the utopian or cosmopolitan variants of Liberalism
Defensive and offensive neo-realists consider that power politics dominates a competitive uncertain system

14. THANK YOU!