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INTRODUCTION

The continuous changing and evolving world necessitates that individuals, intellectuals
and state actors globally adjust to the challenges brought by the metamorphosis in world
events in order to make it a better place. This is the underlying principles of liberalism as
a direct critique of realism. In view of this, some key assumptions of realism will be
highlighted in this review essay to show where liberal minds and likes are coming from.
Liberalism is apparently a very complex concept taking into account the fact that various
authors have contributed literature on the subject from different perspectives and
approaches. These plethora of liberal views unlike realism in which the keys points are
straight forward, are cumbersome. Nonetheless, the question this review essay will
answer among others is; is liberalism practicable?

It is worth noting that the various themes and concepts embedded in liberalism are
intertwined and may not necessarily be separated from each other. For example, the
words “idealism and utopianism”1 are other terminologies used to describe approaches to
liberalism in international system. These words will also be used in this essay where
necessary and suitable. In the next paragraph, I will highlight the basic assumptions of
realism, without engaging much on discussions of the concept before defining liberalism.
The literature review will then follow and will be premised on works by President
Woodrow Wilson in his “Fourteen Point”2 speech. The other writers to be included are;
John Locke, Immanuel Kant and Jeremy Bentham without neglecting other contributors
whose names will be mentioned. However, I think all these writers are Wilson’s
ideologues and for the purpose of this essay it is important that I put a limit on authors in
lieu of the required length recommended. Discussions on the strength and weaknesses of
the concept of liberalism will be done on the concluding section of this essay.
1
Nel, P., “Theories of International Relations” in Nel, P. and McGowan, P. (eds.): Power, Wealth and
Global Equity: An International Relations Textbook for Africa, University of Cape Town Press, Cape
Town, 2002. p. 30.
2
Nel, P., Op. Cit. p. 30 and See http://www.yale.edu.lawweb/avalon/wilson14.htm.
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LIBRALISM AS A CRITIQUE OF REALISM

Before I define liberalism, it is important that I highlight the key proposition of realism.
The proposition include: states as the only important actors in world system, states are
unitary rational actors with anarchy as the major force shaping state actions and
preferences. Also, international institutions are independent force facilitating cooperation
as state is very pessimistic about prospects for cooperation.3 In essence, the tenets of
realism is statist or state centric in nature and regards the state as the only way things can
be carried out domestically and internationally. Realists and Idealist have different
interpretations to a particular scenario. For example, countries often have interests abroad
which may not be secured by military means or garner support through traditional
method of diplomacy. Realists argue that the most viable means of securing those
interests is through bribery in form of foreign aid to that country where the country’s
interest is so as to secure that national interest. Liberal minds will regard this financial aid
as humanitarian concern giving by another caring country.4

Without dwelling too much on realism, liberalism as defined by Hoffman is “the

protection of individual freedom, the reduction of state power and the conviction that
power is legitimate only if it is based on consent and respects basic freedoms.”5 Taking
the above definition further into the international arena, liberal foreign policies
endeavours to promote the principles of liberalism in other countries through for instance,
the protection of individual’s rights in other countries6. Liberalism relies on claims about
impact of interdependence, the benefits of free trade, collective security and the existence
of interests between states. It is also presented as a set of normative or moral claims about
the importance of individual rights and freedoms.7 This definition will be expanded as the
review progresses when the contributions of different authors are unpacked in the next
sub-heading.
3
Grieco J.M., “Anarchy and the Limits of Cooperation: A Realist Critique of the Newest Liberal
Institutionalism”, in International Organizations, Vol. 42, No. 3, (Summer, 1988), p. 494.
4
Nel, P., Op. Cit. p. 31.
5
Paris, R., “Peacebuilding and the Limits of Liberal Internationalism”, in International Security, Vol. 22,
No. 2 (Autumn, 1997), p. 59.
Paris, R., OP. Cit. p. 59. 7Elias, J. and Sutch, P.: IR: The Basics, Routledge, USA, 2007, p. 65.
6
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REVIEW OF UTOPIAN MINDS

Wilson theory can be reduced into four major analogy with idealists’ believe that people

are naturally in learning process and will improve but circumstances often prohibit them

from practicing those principles. President Woodrow Wilson’s “Fourteen Points” speech

to US senate in 1917 further illustrates this believe that people have morals and can live

in harmony with one another. He posited that democracy should be promoted in all

countries as democratic countries do not go to war. Democracy encourages free press and

freedom of speech and parliamentary accountability8. Accountability was emphasised by

Michael Doyle who suggests that one of the reasons why democratic countries do not

engage themselves in war is because the governments are accountable to the tax payers9.

Government only engages in “just wars”10 through a collective action in this regard.

From African perspective, Wilson’s assertion is one of the principles in African Union’s

(AU) Constitutive Act. Whereas different countries have managed not to fight one

another, that of free press and freedom of speech is still very limited. Besides, this notion

of democracy is very problematic because some of the African countries are not yet

matured to democratise. I believe that democracy survives and become very effective

when a country has enough middle class. African and Third world counties have to come

up with a system of governance which will enable them take care of the welfare of its

citizens.
8
Ibid. p. 30.
9
Elias, J. and Sutch, P., Op. Cit. pp. 70-72.
10
Ibid. p. 70.
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Intra-state wars have continued to rise as a result of weak states, whose powers have been

eroded as a result of pressure of liberalism11. The war in Iraq was not a collective action

as Doyle suggests. However, its significant is located as more countries democratise, but

this does not mean all counties must be dragged into it as I afore stated.

Similarly, Locke proposed that moral law of nature was given by God and was in

existence before politics. Equality as man was made by God means one has the innate

ability to work out the basics in politics such as freedom from oppression and right to

own property, he argued.12 Equality before the law and equity should be the way the state

and international system ought to be managed. However, that in essence is a wishful

thinking as the world has become the survival of the strongest and the wisest. The weak

people in the society have no chance of fitting in. Rule of law is functional in most

counties, especially the developed countries as the argument craves for. Nonetheless,

events in those countries in terms of equal distribution of wealth have proven that all

hands are not equal because of the income gap between the rich and the poor. I think that

there is no such thing as egalitarian society or between states, whether democratic or not.

Another theorist is Kant and his ideology of international federation13. His argument is

similar to Locke’s opinion on morality in which both suggest that there is a sense of duty

in treating human beings as independent moral agents. Morality according to Kant is

exhibited by individual out of obligation and not because of self benefit.

11
Kaldor, M.:. New and Old Wars: Organized Violence in a Global Era, Polity Press, Cambridge, ‘07, p. 4.
12
Elias, J. and Sutch, P., Op. Cit. p. 66.
13
Elias, J. and Sutch, P., Op. Cit. pp. 67-69.
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Kant further argued that the structure of international system should take on board
conditions that make morality possible. His argument laid emphases on democratic
institutions to peace and argument for global economic equity. He believes that
individual’s autonomy should be respected and that conflict only erupts when this
individual’s freedom is trampled upon.14 Individual’s rights are continually denied both
in states and in the international system. For example; the rights to shelter and education
enshrined in the constitution of many democratic counties are just mirage in the sense
that governments either do not have enough resources to meet those needs or that they
have other priorities that do not benefits its citizens. Cases of genocide and democides
have taken place in Bosnia and Iraq respectively. Countries like Kuwait and Iraq have
been invaded in the past. The international system capable of guaranteeing people’s right
as Kant proposed is not available yet.

Secondly, Wilson proposed that “Self determination” of subjected peoples and nations

should be encouraged to be independent.15 Again in African context; all the African

countries have gained independence. However, the issue of ethnic divisions and

minorities continue to be a problem. There have been continuous agitation of most

minorities to cede from their existing states and the AU have not encouraged those calls

owing to the fact that most of this groups do not meet the criteria to become a State. For

example, Nigeria has about 250 ethnic groups and half of the groups are claiming to be

minorities and seek creation of new separate countries from Nigeria.

14
Ibid. pp. 70-72.
15
Nel, P., Op. Cit. p. 30.
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At independence in 1960, the country had only four regional geographic zones, but today
it has 36 states (provinces). Yet, there are still calls for more provinces and some groups
want separate countries. These agitations did at some stage resulted in civil war in the late
1960s when the Biafra people from the south east region of the country declared
themselves an independent state16. That war notwithstanding, another attempt was made
by Ogoni people in mid 1990s and hitherto Niger-Delta region continues to be conflict
ridden 17. In view of this, the notion of self determination is problematic and highly
contested. This is because most of the independent countries are finding it difficult to
govern themselves and creating more states means creating more problems as synthesis
of state creation will be endless.

Lowering barriers between countries encourage inter-independence and raise cost of

conflicts accordingly, argues Wilson. This argument favours uninterrupted transnational

flow of information, labour, capital, goods and services through removal of tariffs and

non-tariff barriers.18 Through this process, there has been encouragement of the formation

of sub-regional blocks in Africa into a common trade agreement through the Regional

Economic Commissions (RECs). These RECs include South African Development

Commission (SADC) and the Economic Commission of West African States (ECOWAS)

whereby single market is being practiced. The SADC through its South African Customs

Union (SACU) is an example of trade practices without tariffs on the goods flowing in

and out of member countries.

16
See https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ni.html.
17
Akintunde, M., “Secrets of the Grave”, in Africa Today, Vol. 6, No. 4, April 2000, pp. 24-26.
18
Ibid. p. 30.
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Similarly, neo-liberal institutions argue that there is opportunity for complex or multiple

interdependence which in reality has multiple channels or means for political interaction.

However, the conundrum of determining states priority between “high” over “low

politics” and vice vassal is problematic. High and low politics would mean economic and

social issues repectively19. Some states may choose bolstering their military capability

over welfare of the people etcetera.

Furthermore, strengthening the international law and creating international organisations

is another idea behind idealism.20 International organisations such as the AU creates

opportunities for states to co-operate on functional issues such as health, security,

economic development and labour issues. The more areas states work together and share

information about each other’s interest and concerns, the more they understand each

other better and sort out differences amicably21.

Bentham22 on international law argues that political judgment should be rooted on

measurement. His quantitative approach further suggests that things should be

categorised in accordance with over all benefits and the general good of the people. He

maintains that political involvement or participation and leadership should transpire to

happiness at the highest level for people.

19
Elias, J. and Sutch, P., Op. Cit. p. 73
20
Nel, P., Op. Cit. p. 31.
21
Nel, P., Op. Cit. p. 32.
22
Elias, J. and Sutch, P., Op. Cit. pp. 66-67.
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The maxamisation of utility according to Bentham should also be a key priority. For him,

utility means wrong or right and bad and good. He acknowledged the relevance of states,

but thinks it is through the state that individual’s utility should be enhanced. Thus,

international law should not encompass national self- aggrandizement rather the “greatest

happiness of all nations taken together”23.

Furthermore, Bentham proposed a solution to inter-state conflicts- an international court

capable of resolving all disputes. This court according to him will not become powerful

and sovereign to make decisions, rather it will make recommendations24. I think Bentham

by acknowledging the relevance of the state should have made his argument from the

neo-realist perspective. However, his thesis makes a whole lot of sense given the

emergence of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Criminal Court

(ICC) despite the politics and paradox hindering the operations of these courts. At the

moment, only alleged war criminals from the developing world can be arrested and tried

whereas when nationals of the developed countries are involved, they are treated as war

heroes. Warrant of arrest has been issued recently so that Sudanese President25 will

answer for war atrocity in his oil rich country. Former Liberian President, Charles Taylor

is being tried by ICC26 whereas war criminals from United States of America walk freely.

In my view, it is a double-standard in world politics.

23
Elias, J. and Sutch, P., Op. Cit. pp. 67.
24
Elias, J. and Sutch, P., Op. Cit. p. 67.
25
Heard, L., “Nothing International about ICC”, Arab News, 10 March 2009. Accessed on 19 April 2009 at

http://www.arabnews.com/?page=7&section=0&article=120098&d=10&m=3&y=2009.
26
King, M. L., “This Too, Shall Pass”, in Africa Today, Vol. 12, No. 5, May 2006, pp. 14-23.
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The argument that US did not sign ICC treaty is very flimsy because US can sign the

treaty if the rest of the world wants it to. On ICJ, recommendations by the court are only

carried out by a country’s volition and not obligation. I am not condemning these courts

or being hypercritical, but it should be understandable that it is good to treat the goose the

way the gander is being treated.

DISCUSSIONS AND CONCLUSION

Different literatures on liberalism have been reviewed in this essay and I must express

some disappointments for the fact that this noble ideology; liberalism, is not workable in

the current world order. Consequently, it leaves the concept with many weaknesses than

strengths, which makes me to wonder why the authors have to bother constructing this

theory. I have therefore come to the realisation that there is no such thing as best set of

theory to explain IR or how governments ought to map their foreign policy. These

theories are often exaggerated to justify claims being made in their contents.

Nevertheless, liberalism has a moderating influence on international politics as it breeds

bonds of mutual interests on a commitment to the status quo. One could argue that these

international organisations like United Nations (UN) are mere talking shops. This

notwithstanding, rational state actors can always find solutions to conflicts and disputes

through dialogue or diplomacy.

One of the weaknesses of the concept includes the fact that it does not provide necessary

connection perceived between the process of economic growth and political

development. The debate in recent times has been whether democracy leads to
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development. Secondly, it ignores the differences in relative gains and the distribution of

wealth generated by the market system. The asymmetry in international trade has

remained a problem in the international system. The notion of collective security has led

to inaction by the international community in situations that demand humanitarian

intervention. Sometimes, it is a little too late to pass a resolution such as that of Somalia.

The post conflict peace buildings are not managed well leading to failed states. At the

moment, Somalia has become ungovernable resulting in piracy activities27 by its citizens.

This is a big concern now, but it could have been prevented long ago. If Clinton’s

administration had acted when war was taking place in Somalia, US would not have got

entangled in the recent “operation Phillips”28 to save the captain of one of numerous ships

been hijacked in that Gulf of Aden. Finally, the concept is reminiscing to its name;

utopian. There is nothing like egalitarian society as it suggested. Egalitarianism may only

possible in other planets where there is no force of gravity.

In conclusion, liberalism may become implementable the day all members of Breton

Woods Institutions (BWI) and UN have equal votes without some elite groups within

these institutions. At the moment, realism remains the order of the day as altruism and

self interest is difficult to differentiate sometimes in theories of International Relations.

27
Goldberg, J., “How to Solve Piracy Problems” Los Angeles Times, 14 April 2009. Accessed on 19 April

‘09 at http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-goldberg14-2009apr14,0,1560384.column,

and See “Piracy Force the Rule of Law” Globeandmail.com, 14 April 2009. Accessed on 19 April, 2009 at

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20090414.EPIRATES14ART1938/TPStory/Opinion/e

ditorials,
28
See “Saving Captain Phillips: American alive, pirates dead, let's hope more to follow”, WSJ.COM, 13
April 2009. Accessed on 19 April 2009. at http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123958568421112479.html.
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BIBLIOGRAPHY

Akintunde, M., “Secrets of the Grave”, in Africa Today, Vol. 6, No. 4, April 2000.

Elias, J. & Sutch, P.: International Relations: The Basics, Routledge, USA, 2007.

Goldberg, J., “How to Solve Piracy Problems” Los Angeles Times, 14 April 2009. Accessed on 19 April

‘09 at http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-goldberg14-2009apr14,0,1560384.column,

Grieco J.M., “Anarchy and the Limits of Cooperation: A Realist Critique of the Newest Liberal
Institutionalism”, in International Organizations, Vol. 42, No. 3, (Summer, 1988).

Heard, L., “Nothing International about ICC”, Arab News, 10 March 2009. Accessed on 19 April 2009 at

http://www.arabnews.com/?page=7&section=0&article=120098&d=10&m=3&y=2009.

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ni.html.

http://www.yale.edu.lawweb/avalon/wilson14.htm.

Kaldor, M.:. New and Old Wars: Organised Violence in a Global Era, Polity Press, Cambridge, 2007.

Kennedy, E.A., “Somali Pirates Hijack Spree Since Weekend” Associated Press, 14 April 2009. Accessed

on 19 April 2009 at http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090414/ap_on_re_af/piracy.

King, M. L., “This Too, Shall Pass”, in Africa Today, Vol. 12, No. 5, May 2006.

Nel, P., “Theories of International Relations” in Nel, P. and McGowan, P. (eds.): Power, Wealth and
Global Equity: An International Relations Textbook for Africa, University of Cape Town Press, Cape
Town, 2002.

Paris, R., “Peacebuilding and the Limits of Liberal Internationalism”, in International Security, Vol. 22,
No. 2 (Autumn, 1997).
 - 12 -

“Piracy Force the Rule of Law” Globeandmail.com, 14 April 2009. Accessed on 19 April, 2009 at

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20090414.EPIRATES14ART1938/TPStory/Opinion/e

ditorials,

“Saving Captain Phillips: American alive, pirates dead, let's hope more to follow”, WSJ.COM, 13 April

2009. Accessed on 19 April 2009. at http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123958568421112479.html.