Which concept highlights the cooperative potential of democracies?

Liberalism emphasizes the cooperative potential of democracies by focusing on the importance of international institutions, economic interdependence, and shared values in promoting peace and cooperation among states. Unlike other theories that might highlight conflict or competition as the primary nature of international relations, liberalism posits that democratic governments are less likely to go to war with one another, as they tend to share similar values and norms.

This perspective is foundational in understanding how democratic states can work together to solve common issues, engage in collective security arrangements, and foster international trade and collaboration. The theory supports the idea that democracies, through cooperation and engagement, can build a more stable and peaceful global order through mutual respect, dialogue, and institutional frameworks.

In contrast, realism focuses primarily on states as rational actors in a conflict-driven international system, often disregarding the potential for cooperation. Idealism, while it does advocate for the possibility of world peace and cooperation, is often more centered on moral imperatives rather than the political and economic frameworks that liberalism emphasizes. Constructivism, on the other hand, underscores the role of social constructs and identities, which can also lead to cooperation but does not specifically highlight democratic cooperation in the same way that liberalism does.