Theories of International

Relations- Liberalism
Robert Keohane and Joseph S. Nye, Jr., Power
and Interdependence (1977)
The liberal conceptualization of the
international system
The complex interdependence thesis
The conceptualization of states preference
formation
Comparison with the realist and neo-realist IR
theories

The liberal conceptualization

of the international system
Distinct idea of international anarchy: questions
the utility of use of power in international
politics/ transnational actions and organizations
Politics of economic interdependence:
- Power-based analysis of the politics of
interdependence, drawing on bargaining theory
- The complex interdependence thesis and the
process that it encompasses
- International regimes

The complex
interdependence thesis
Societies not only connect through interstate
but transgovernmental and transnational
channels, hence states are not the sole actors
in international politics and the state is not an
unitary actor
There is no hierarchy of issues in the
interstate relations, hence the state foreign
policy is not predominated by the security
issue
States overcome the security dilemma though
military power can be used politically

The conceptualization of
states preference formation
Process/ structure relation in liberal analysis
International system is conceptualized in terms of
structure (pattern of distribution of power) and
process (pattern of interaction of units)
Formation of states preferences
-Structure of the system: provides opportunities and
constraints (intensity of international
interdependence/ degree of institutionalization of
international rules)
-Non-structural factors: non-structural incentives
(technological advances/ issue density) and
opportunities for communication and cooperation
Domestic level of analysis/ simple learning

Comparison with the realist

and neo-realist IR theories
Similarities:
- Utilitarian conceptualizations of the world: based
on the assumption that the individual actors
pursue their own interests by responding to
incentives
- Rational conceptualization: rational international
actors
Differences:
- Goals of the actors in international politics
- The characteristics of the international
environment