International Political Economy by Prof. Michael Sonnleitner

 

 “Economic Nationalism” & “Free Trade”:   

2 Dominant Approaches to IPE & Security

an online Presentation to the International Fellowship Program for Peace & Nonviolence

by Michael Sonnleitner                                                                       January 2^nd, 2026.

I.                  CONTEXT:  Global Politics, 4 Approaches to International Security & 3 + 1 Approaches to International Political Economy (IPE) 

II.                ECONOMIC NATIONALISM: Ideological Basics & Consequences

A.   Assumptions & Beliefs:

1.     Human Nature is Competitive, Controlling, & Tribal

REALISTIC REALISM

2.     Hierarchy is Natural & Peace thru Strength

MIGHT MAKES RIGHT: Need Superior Military

B.    Goals & Strategies:

1.     Unlimited Self-Defense (emphasis on “Hard” Power)

PROTECTIONISM & CONTROLLED TRADE

2.     Tariffs or Any Means Necessary (similar to Merchantilism)

STABILITY & ORDER:  Life Boat Vision of World

C.    Ideological Tendencies & Consequences

1.     Conservativisms & Fascisms; Colonialism & Neo-Colonialism

2.     EX.:  British East India Company and Trump & Xi Jinping

3.     Now often using World Bank & International Monetary Fund

4.     Exploit People & Environments: NATIONAL SUPREMACY

III.           FREE TRADE: Ideological Basics & Impacts

      (Also known as Economic Internationalism or GLOBAIZATION)

A.   Assumptions & Beliefs:

1.     Human Nature is Competitive & Individualistic

REALISTIC IDEALISM

2.      Competition is Natural & Peace thru Interdependence

MIGHT FOR RIGHT

B.    Goals & Strategies:

1.     Limited Self-Defense (need Sufficient Deterrent Military Force) FREE TRADE via NEGOTIATED AGREEMENTS

2.     Reduce Tariffs & Non-Tariff Barriers progressively down to zero.

FREEDOM & LIBERTY (protect private property): TRIAGE

C.   Ideological Tendencies & Consequences

1.     Political Liberalisms & Representative Democratic Traditions

2.     Ex. U.S.A. under FDR to Johnson to Obama -- until Trump.

3.     Reflected in the GATT & WTO (after 1995) & Regional Groups

4.     Create Trade Agreements first, any “conventions” maybe after…

People & Environments are exploited pending CONVENTIONS.

IV.            QUESTIONS & DISCUSSION:

A.   Can Economic GLOBALIZATION & Cultural impacts be separated

??? Are Cultural Imperialism and Neo-Colonialism often related???

B.    Can Economic Nationalism be better for the environment than Economic Internationalism (Free Trade)?

“Economic Structuralism” & “Empowerment”:

2 Alternative Approaches to IPE & Security

an online Presentation to the International Fellowship Program for Peace & Nonviolence

by Michael Sonnleitner                                                               January 3^rd, 2026.

I.                  CONTEXT: Briefly review the 2 Dominant IPE & Security Approaches

Economic Nationalism & Free Trade (Economic Internationalism)

II.               ECONOMIC STRUCTURALISM: Ideological Basics & Impacts

A.   Assumptions & Beliefs:

1.     Human Nature is Cooperative & Social

IDEALISTIC REALISM

2.     Human Rights are universal & Peace thru International Law

RIGHT FOR MIGHT (eventual WORLD GOVERNMENT)

B.    Goals & Strategies:

1.     Collective Self-Defense (need International rules enforced)

FAIR TRADE via NEGOTIATED GLOBAL AGREEMENTS

2.     First set Conventions, then lower tariffs & NTBs down to zero…

                     EQUALITY & FAIRNESS: “SPACESHIP EARTH” VISION

C.   Ideological Tendencies & Consequences:

1.     Political Socialisms within Representative Democratic Traditions

2.     Examples: Most EU leaders including Gro Harlem Bruntland

3.     Enforce Human Rights via ICJ & International Criminal Court

4.     Trade Expands Interdependency, with Environmental Mitigation.

III.           ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT: Ideological Basics & Impacts

A.   Assumptions & Beliefs:

1.     Human Nature is Social & Spiritual

IDEALISTIC IDEALISM (Law of Karma & Golden Rule)

2.     Life is Interrelated & Peace thru Nonviolence is Necessary

RIGHT MAKES MIGHT; (ABOLITION OF WAR)

B.    Goals & Strategies:

1.     True Security/Defense is Relational (decentralized Self-Rule)

SUSTAUNABLE TRADE & SELF_RELIANCE (Swadeshi)

2.     Living with Gaia based on a Cultural Revolution (not Laws)

BALANCE STABILITY, LIBERTY, & EQUALITY (with a non-binary commitment to the Welfare of All (Sarvodaya)

Welfare of All (Sarvodaya) via Participatory Democracy

C.   Ideological Tendencies & Consequences:

1.     Green Movement valuing Participatory Democracy (Swaraj)

2.     Examples: Gandhi, Vandana Shiva, Mohammad Yunus…

3.     Celebrate Life by Living Simply that Others may Simply Live.

4.     Emphasize Local Self-Reliance & Reduce Trade Globally.

IV.            QUESTIONS & DISCUSSION: 

1)      Which Alternative IPE Approach appeals most to your personal views regarding Human Nature, and Enforcement of Rules?

2)      Which Alternative IPS Approach is best for the Environment as well as a most practical response to Dominant IPE Approaches?