International Relations: Liberal World Order and Rising China Analysis

This essay examines key concepts in international relations, beginning with the significance of decolonization and its ongoing impact on the modern world. It then delves into the theories of liberalism and Marxism, contrasting their approaches to international relations and their implications for state growth and cooperation. The essay analyzes the principles of liberalism, emphasizing cooperation and peaceful dispute resolution, as well as the role of international institutions. It also explores Gramsci’s concept of hegemony and the influence of Marxism, particularly in the context of industrial revolution, capitalism, and the elimination of capitalist powers. The essay further discusses the fragility of the liberal world order, focusing on concerns about the rise of China, and the role of ideas from liberal theory, including compromises in the existing world order and optimism about China's future.

Running head: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
International Relations
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Author Note

1INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Decolonizing is important because it shows the role of colonial issues present in the
international relations. Decolonization is a never ending process that continues in the sphere
of modern world. It is a process by which the colonies attain independence from the colonial
super powers. They exert their control over the territories and the countries captured by them
and avail benefits from the captured countries. Decolonization is important to maintain
healthy international relation as it helps in the development of the countries. The countries
when captured by the others suffer losses of their natural as well as economic resources. They
cause prolonged impact on the development of the countries that are under the rule of
imperial powers.
The concept of liberalism is a part of the international relations that follows three
principles that rejects the politics of power that is the outcome of the relations in the
international sphere. It shows that there are certain benefits that can be obtained by
cooperation at the international level. The main focus is on the concepts of increasing
cooperation and decreasing conflict amongst the countries. Liberalism promotes that the
disputes that arise between the states should be solved amicably without using violent means.
According to the liberal views international institutions are important in maintaining
cooperation amongst the states. By increasing dependence amongst the states conflicts that
can possibly arise within the state are reduced. In the process of interdependence the
economic relations are improved as they facilitate free trade amongst the countries. . In
Gramsci’s concept of hegemony the capitalistic and colonial powers maintain control over
the countries by using violent means as well as ideologies. The use of international
diplomacy helps to decrease the conflicts and helps to maintain democratic peace. The
liberals highlight that by applying the concept of liberalism to international relations
openness is maintained. The free trade practices show that liberalism helps to protect the area
of trade from potential competition. In Gramsci’s concept of hegemony the capitalistic and

2INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
colonial powers maintain control over the countries by applying the ideologies.The theory of
Marxism is related to the international relations as it was influenced by industrial revolution.
It showed that the capitalists who owned the means of production have a considerable impact
on the international relations. In Marxism, the focus is on the elimination of capitalist powers
by bringing socialist revolution in the society. Marxism aims to understand the
interdependence of capitalist controlled mode of production and the sovereignty of the
modern states. It advocates that the purpose of Marxism is to solve and change the pattern of
elations that are prevalent in the society. The Marxist view of international relations is that it
does not aim only on the foreign policies but also on the technological developments, the
modes of production and the forces of production. However the concept of religion is omitted
in the Marxist approach of the international relations.
Thus, it can be concluded that decolonization of international relations is necessary as
it will help the states to grow and flourish well. The theories of Liberalism and Marxism are
different in their theoretical frameworks but both aim for the growth of the states as
independent entities.