Ikenberry Liberal World Order Analysis

Ikenberry’s assumptions that the liberal world order will remain are true, his belief in global institutions and Chinese integration are flawed. After summarizing Ikenberry’s arguments, it will be argued that world in entering a transitional stage that will hold realist values, but eventually give way to liberal commercialism. Ikenberry misunderstands the Chinese Sea disputes; China does not fear the backlash, it is the multinational corporations and business within China that fear the backlash. Furthermore, the UN and other global institutions do not play as vital a role in maintaining the liberal world order as Ikenberry would believe. Nevertheless, the world is maintaining the liberal order, but with a greater emphasis on commercialism and democratic values. Although Ikenberry mentions these factors, he fails to see the extent of their …show more content…
To begin with, Ikenberry is correct in saying that emerging great powers will want to maintain the current Liberal World Order (Ikenberry, 57). However, the reasons for maintaining the order are rooted in both commercial liberalism and the democratic peace theory. These liberal ideas have flourished in recent decades, giving rise to greater interdependence through trade and democratic principles. This interdependence is formed through free trade deals and multinational organizations that benefit all nations. Thus, states, both developed and undeveloped, will be more inclined to maintain the Liberal Order because they are benefactors of the current order. China, India and Brazil are primary examples of the successfulness of the liberal world order. However, their success lies directly on the success of the liberal world order. Without free trade and multinational companies, these states would have never been able to reach the heights they have reached