From imperialism to liberalism. Reinventing trade, institutions, and unity in post-World War I Europe

Abstract

Liberalism emerged theoretically strengthened in the World War I’s aftermath. The start of a new liberal order in 1918-9 did not mean that it would last forever or that it had no opponents. Imperial autocracy was replaced by collectivism: both from the left (Communism) and the right (Nazism and Fascism). The Wilsonian world system, based on trade and institutions, was later put under attack by totalitarianism that weakened liberalism. Liberalism as a foreign policy and its core elements were reinvigorated thanks to the conflict – at least in Western Europe. Firstly, the fact that trade leads to peace, as explained by Norman Angell. Secondly, that institutionalism, democracy, and self-determination strengthened states, easing cooperation among them, as advocated by Woodrow Wilson. Lastly, the fact that peaceful European unity to fight the external challengers and get independence will benefit, according to Richard Coubenhove-Kalergi, the European people.