What key assumption underlies liberalism in international relations?

The key assumption underlying liberalism in international relations is that states can achieve mutual benefits through cooperation. This perspective emphasizes the potential for positive-sum outcomes where states work together to address common challenges and enhance peace and prosperity. Liberalism is founded on the idea that international institutions, trade, and diplomacy can foster collaboration and reduce the likelihood of conflict by promoting shared interests.

This approach contrasts with more pessimistic theories that view international relations as a zero-sum game dominated by competition and conflict. For example, the notion that war is inevitable or that all states are hostile reflects a more realist interpretation, where the primary focus is on power dynamics and security dilemmas. In liberal thought, cooperation through international organizations, treaties, and economic interdependence offers pathways to stability and collective security, reinforcing the belief that states can work together for mutual benefit.