The Spread of Liberalism, Democracy & the Rule of Law (Edexcel A Level Politics): Revision Note

The growth of liberal economies

• Liberal economies encourage globalisation and the end of trade barriers between states

• They are promoted and  reinforced by many IGOs (for example the UN, World Bank, IMF) who see it as the best pathway to successful economic growth and development

Economic liberalism

• Economic liberalism is an ideology that argues the economy works best when government interference is kept to a minimum and individuals are free to make their own economic choices

  • It assumes that free markets will regulate themselves through supply and demand, without heavy regulation

• It is a system rooted in capitalism

  • This means it supports private ownership, free markets and competition rather than state control

• It supports minimal government intervention

  • The state’s role is limited to maintaining law and order, enforcing contracts and protecting property rights, rather than managing the economy

• It promotes individualism

  • Individuals are encouraged to pursue their own economic interests, with the belief that this leads to greater efficiency, innovation and overall prosperity

The growth of democracy

• From the start of the 20th century, democracy has been promoted as the ideal form of government by many actors

  • It enables citizens of states to have power to get rid of corrupt or inefficient governments

  • It provides transparency into how the government and judicial systems operate and thereby reduces corruption 

  • Democracies are more likely to support efforts to improve the lives of citizens by funding such essential services as infrastructure, education and healthcare 

    • A healthy and educated workforce contributes to a stronger economy

  • Democracies are more likely to support human rights, which leads to a more stable society 

  • Democracies are more likely to enter into economic and diplomatic relationships, strengthening economic and political stability

• The United Nations, World Bank and IMF development initiatives all promote the democratisation of the state seeking aid or assistance

• Many argue that although democracies are not perfect, they are the best political system available

The development and spread of the rule of law

• The rule of law is the democratic idea that laws, institutions and norms must regulate how power is exercised from the local to the international level

The four main principles of the rule of law

1. Accountability

   • Those who exercise power, including government officials, are subject to the law and can be held legally responsible for their actions

2. Fair and just laws

   • Laws must be clear, consistent, protect fundamental rights, and apply equally to all citizens

3. Open government

   • Laws and decisions should be made through transparent processes, allowing public scrutiny and access to information

4. Accessible and impartial justice for all

   • Everyone must be able to access independent courts that apply the law fairly, without bias or discrimination

• Although the rule of law is not a modern concept, it is associated with the rise of democratic states

• Global governance institutions such as the UN heavily promoted the idea of the rule of law as a means of preserving peace in the aftermath of World War 2