International Theory - Essay Example

s came about, and two of these theories emerged to what we presently know as the English School and the Classical Liberalism theories in international relations. These theories shall be discussed and differentiated in this paper. Classical liberalism believes that if people are given as much freedom as possible, the principles of authoritarianism shall eventually fade away, democracy shall have a chance to emerge, and wars will eventually cease to exist. Classical liberalism in international relations has four main beliefs.

First and foremost, classical liberalists believe that peace can best be achieved through the more widespread application of democratic principles. Classical liberalism prescribes to the notion of institutional liberalism, in the sense that it desires for more nations to be more democratic in their political approach. They believe that democracy epitomizes the perfect breeding ground for peace within and among nations. Secondly, they believe that naturally harmonious interests will help ensure that citizens and states “make rational calculations which make national interest and international interest one and the same” (O’Connor, 2008).

They advocate the belief that the state preferences, not the state capabilities determine the behaviour of the state. It therefore has a high degree of tolerance for various preferences. Thirdly, disputes should be settled by the set judicial procedures under the rule of law. Classical liberalism stresses that the rule of law is applicable to states, not just to people. It advocates that it is possible to identify aggressors and belligerents; therefore, it is also possible to come up with an effective coalition of states opposing such violators.

Finally, collective security would replace notions of self-help. They agree that different states may have different preferences, and that governments actually make the decisions to go to war, not people. And they ultimately prefer adherence to the