ASYMMETRY OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS WITHIN THE CONCEPTUAL FIELD OF LIBERAL THEORY

Abstract

The article explores the concepts of asymmetry within the liberal tradition. It focuses on how international cooperation, liberal institutionalism, economic interdependence, and democratic peace theory address the issue of disproportion in interstate relations. It examines criticisms of liberal theory of international relations and demonstrates its value for understanding international relations. Asymmetry in international relations is a persistent phenomenon that shapes the interaction between states of different power, resources, and influence. While realist and constructivist approaches often emphasize the role of power imbalances and identity formation, liberal theory provides a detailed framework for analyzing asymmetry through institutional cooperation, economic interdependence, and the spread of democratic norms. Particular attention is paid to how the liberal paradigm explains the uneven distribution of influence among states, the rise of global inequality, and the role of international organizations in regulating asymmetric relations. The question of criticism of liberal theory from the side of realism is raised, emphasizing that liberal mechanisms, despite their progressive nature, do not always effectively eliminate international imbalances, and in some cases can contribute to their deepening. Despite the desire of liberalism to create a system of equal relations between states, asymmetry is an objective reality and an integral element of modern international relations.