The basic assumptions of the liberal approach may be summarized as follows:

• International cooperation is possible, and it is the main feature of international relations. Cooperation can lead to positive changes in the system.

• Because a human being is inherently good and rational, states behave rationally as well. Rational state pursues its own interests, embodies moral principles, and follows the rules of international law.

• The distinction between domestic politics and international politics is not that clear as realists argue. Multiple sets of relationships between international actors transcend national borders.

• Besides states, humans and other actors such as international organizations are important and have the ability to effect changes in international relations.

• Power should not only be considered as “military power”;economic, social,cultural, and intellectual power also matter.

• Liberals emphasize the importance of concepts such as world society, global governance, international institutions, and interdependence in the contemporary world where boundaries between states become increasingly blurred.

• In a social system where power centralizes, we also observe poor governance. Good governance, however, requires democracy and political pluralism.