ABSTRACT

This chapter deals with classical liberal internationalism. It is a tradition of thought with roots in the Enlightenment. The chapter outlines some of the basic values and tenets associated with liberal internationalism. It presents a brief account of the evolution of the tradition, pointing to some of its most prominent exponents. The chapter identifies recurrent tensions and controversies within liberalism related to international relations. Classical liberal internationalism is best characterized as an ideology, that is, a system of political thought arising out of, and reflecting, the economic, political, and cultural experience of particular social groups. Early twentieth-century internationalism reflected the transition domestically from old liberalism to the doctrine of the welfare state. Liberal internationalism is a container of past experience as well as expectations for the future. A more tangible division concerns the importance accorded to economic and political factors. The chapter concludes with remarks on the legacy of classical liberal internationalism and its relevance to contemporary realities.