International relations

The Liberal World Order - in Crisis

Module code: 500IR
Level 5
15 credits in spring semester
Teaching method: Lecture
Assessment modes: Essay

On this module, you'll explore how the initial optimism around peace, prosperity, democracy, and human rights has evolved into the current crisis. You'll examine questions such as:

• what is the nature of the current crisis?
• since when has the liberal world order been in crisis, and for whom?
• can a liberal vision of a US-led ‘rules-based order’ re-emerge from the conflicts in places like Gaza?
• how do we reconcile liberal states acting benignly at home but seemingly illiberal abroad?

You’ll approach these issues through various perspectives, focusing on two key relationships:

• liberalism, capitalism, and democracy
• liberalism and war.

The module also addresses the paradox of liberal thinkers and political actors who promote individual freedom while supporting (settler) colonialism, chattel slavery, and patriarchy. You'll discuss whether the continuation of liberal capitalism today still involves violence, coercion, and constraint.

Module learning outcomes

• Identify the core principles, practices, institutions and actors of the liberal world order, and comprehend their logic of liberalism
• Analyse liberal-internationalist policies
• Establish connections between different liberal policies
• Evaluate a range of explanations for the crisis of the liberal world order, and ultimately provide a reasoned and well-substantiated assessment of the current crisis