Lecture Notes: The Liberal World Order

Introduction

• The world can be chaotic, influenced by natural disasters, diseases, and wars.
• 75 years ago, the Liberal World Order was established to improve global stability.

Key Features of the Liberal World Order

• Liberal System:
  • Operates on rules applied equally to each country.
  • Encourages democracy and open economies.
• Global System:
  • Encourages every country to join and follow its rules.
• Promotes Order:
  • Countries respect borders and resolve differences peacefully.

Historical Context

• Developed post-World War II to avoid man-made disasters of the early 20th century, such as:
  • The Great Depression
  • Two World Wars
• Institutional Framework:
  • United Nations: Promotes peace.
  • World Bank: Supports global economic development.
  • International Monetary Fund (IMF) and WTO: Support investment and trade.

U.S. Role in the Liberal World Order

• The U.S. victory in WWII and post-war economic boom set an example for the world.
• Promoted democracy and free markets, offering financial aid for liberal reforms.
• U.S. military strength maintained order, ready to apply pressure or defend allies.

The Soviet Union's Opposition

• The Soviet Union opted out of the Liberal World Order:
  • Was a UN member but resistant to liberal reforms.
  • Focused on building its own order using force as necessary.
• Cold War: Competition between the U.S.-led liberal order and the Soviet-led illiberal order.

Post-Cold War Developments

• After the Soviet Union's collapse in 1991, many countries joined the U.S.-led liberal world order.
• Resulted in a more peaceful, democratic, and prosperous world by the end of the 1990s:
  • Global economy grew 6x larger.
  • Life expectancy increased by over 20 years since 1945.

Current Challenges Facing the Liberal World Order

• Since the late 2000s, the Liberal World Order has weakened:
  • Less liberal: Some countries are less democratic.
  • Less orderly: Countries ignoring territorial integrity (e.g., Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014).
  • Struggles in addressing global issues (e.g., nuclear proliferation, pandemics).
• Emerging Powers:
  • Countries like China building their own regional orders, exerting influence through military and investment.

The Future of the Liberal World Order

• U.S.'s role as the principal leader of the Liberal World Order has weakened.
• American public is less supportive of military interventions deemed costly.
• Allies less confident in U.S. defense commitments.
• No clear successor for U.S. leadership in the Liberal World Order.
• China: Powerful but uninterested in supporting liberalism.
• European countries: May collaborate but face their own challenges.

Conclusion

• The U.S. is the best contender for renewing the Liberal World Order through international coordination.
• Failure to address existing challenges may lead to a less prosperous, peaceful, and democratic world.