Analysis of the Theory of Liberalism - Essay Example

Liberalism Liberalism refers to a political philosophy or global perspective based on notions of equality and liberty. Liberals champion an assortment of views based on their awareness of these principles. Generally, liberals defend notions such as civic rights, private property, free and fair elections, free trade, freedom of religion and freedom of the press. The theory of liberalism centers on a number of assumptions. The first assumption is that both state and non-state actors play a vital role in international relations. Liberalism values sub-state actors such as multi-national corporations and individuals. These actors can influence global politics (Shiraev and Zubok 389). The second major assumption under liberalism is that international relations encompass both cooperation and conflict. Liberals argue that since state are linked by finance and trade; they have incentives to cooperate with one another. This rationale allows the reduction of trade barriers such as tariffs. The democratic stability theory is also part of the second assumption and centers on the presumption that democratic states do not go to war with one another and that democratic countries do not instigate conflict. Liberals argue that democracies have shared values and norms thus identify with one another. Additionally, democracies are not subjected to military control. The third assumption of the theory of liberalism is that states are not typically unitary or rational actors thus leaders play bi-level games by simultaneously negotiating with foreign leaders and making choices that maintain their constituencies’ happiness. The theory of liberalism also assumes that a myriad of issues can overshadow the international agenda (Shiraev and Zubok 391). Liberals argue that national security is not necessarily of paramount importance, but rather issues such as human rights, environmental issues and economics can all be the most vital goal of a state. The article speaks to the issues of international relations on environmental issues, specifically pollution and deforestation. The article examines Indonesia-based palm companies’ slash-and-burn practices, which are immensely deleterious not only to the country’s environmental health, but the region, as well. The primary issue is that of the environment and business as palm companies operating in Indonesia illegally burn forests so as to pave way for palm plantations. This is a recurring problem in the country. The issue of air pollution and deforestation presented in the article affects the South Asian region. The theory of liberalism holds that sub-state actors are primary instigators of international relations issues. Multinational companies that own palm plantations in Indonesia are some of the greatest masterminds of deforestation and the illegal slash-and-burn practices as they clear land for their plantations. The issue is a major problem for the actors since environmental issues such as deforestation and air pollution can affect an entire regions. The multinational corporations involved in polluting the air and deforesting lands are also bound to be impacted by the ensuing poor air quality. Like the corporations, other institutions and individuals in the region are also affected. For instance, airlines lose business as they planes are grounded while people suffer from breathing difficulties or lung diseases. The problem is experienced the same by all parties because, according to liberalism, environmental issues can dominate the international agenda thereby impacting the entire nation. All actors in the South Asian region are impacted by the consequences of palm plantations’ slash-and-burn practices. This means that the environmental issue is a collective problem, which according to liberals, is at the center of international cooperation (Shiraev and Zubok 367). The issue at hand is a demonstration of how financial power plays a significant role in shaping international politics. Indonesian officials argue that companies headquartered in Singapore are involved in the detrimental environmental practices in Indonesia. Liberals argue that there is a close relationship between globalization of business and the environment. The green theory, which is part of the theory of international relations regarding the environment, affirms liberal concepts regarding the value of cooperation, specifically with regard to international environmental issues (Shiraev and Zubok 401). Therefore, in order to resolve the present environmental problem, it is vital that regional environmental stakeholders work cooperatively. This will not only ensure that those involved in the illegal practices are punished, but no further deforestation and slash-and-burn practices are performed. This means that organizations and individuals such as palm organizations, plantation owners, farmers, national and regional land agencies and environmental agencies, and providers of land concessions need to work cooperatively to implement international environmental rules. In terms of the kind of action that should be taken, Indonesia can ensure that organizations involved in the deleterious practices are punished, for instance, through the imposition of fines or sanctions. In order for these actions to be implemented, Indonesia requires the input of organizations with international powers. Therefore, Indonesia can report the environmental issue and the actors involved to pertinent environmental organizations such as the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. These organizations can play a prominent role in ensuring that Indonesia and Singapore adhere to international environmental rules and deter detrimental practices such as deforestation and slash-and-burn practices. Those with the power to act can be persuaded by being shown the scope and severity of the environmental issue on a national, regional and international scale (Shiraev and Zubok 345). Since international environmental organizational have the power to act against guilty actors, they can be persuaded by examining environmental issues with the potential to adversely impact the globe. The potential consequences of action include punishment of guilty actors and the deterrence of the same actions in the future. In addition, action against the guilty actors will also ensure that individuals and organizations do not engage in practices with the same level of consequences as those of the present perpetrators (Shiraev and Zubok 396). By and large, action will guarantee the safety of the environment in the future. On the other hand, inaction will cause continued deforestation and air pollution in Indonesia and negatively impact the regional and global environmental wellbeing. Inaction will also encourage other actors to engage in similar practices, thereby causing global environmental destruction. In conclusion, the theory of liberalism argues for the importance of both equality and liberty in all aspects of global political view. This theory centers on a myriad of principles that all uphold peaceful coexistence. The theory’s application to environmental issues is based on the belief that it is possible for man and nature to coexist and for man to be the protector and conserver of the environment. It is clear that deforestation and air pollution can be dealt with through green policies, which are implemented by powerful international, environmental organizations. Work Cited Shiraev, E. B., and Zubok, V. M. International Relations. New York: Oxford University Press, 2012. Print.   Read More