Critically Assessing the Liberal Internationalist Paradigm: Theoretical and Empirical Criticisms in International Relations Introduction Liberal internationalism—broadly defined by its commitment to democratic governance, economic interdependence, multilateral cooperation, and rule-based global order—has long stood as a central paradigm in both the theory and practice of international relations (IR). Rooted in Enlightenment ideals and articulated through institutions … Continue reading What are the principal theoretical and empirical criticisms directed against the liberal internationalist paradigm in the study and practice of international relations?