How can Neoclassical Realism and Liberalism explain that the UK entered World War I

Essay , 2016 , 10 Pages , Grade: 2,0

History of Germany - World War I, Weimar Republic

The following essay finds its niche in intending to shed light on the question as to why the United Kingdom entered the First World War.
Firstly, in the background analysis, the political causes that lead to the formal declaration of war of the UK against the middle powers (Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy) will be analysed. Secondly, the first deployment of British troops will be looked at as a direct result of the declaration.
The subject will be approached from two sides, firstly from the Neoclassical perspective. Asking in how far political power struggles considerations resulted in the decision to join the war.
Especially, the Triple Entente alliance (UK, France, and Russia), and the ”Treaty of London of 1839” which played a crucial role in the British decision to join the war will be analysed. The UK found itself in a duty bound situation to "defense the Belgian neutrality." The two agreements will be used as part of the explanation as to why and how the UK joined the war, they will be examined through the sense of both school of thoughts.
Secondly, the Liberal school of thought will lend its self to the explanation. The ideas of Kant will be tested as to whether they can explain the British participation in the war. The concept of international cooperation, the duty to uphold contracts and the internal logic that democracy and free trade spreads are part of the train of thought of this paper.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Formal declaration of war by the UK
  • British-Belgium diplomatic ties
  • Considerations of supporting Belgium neutrality
  • The Triple Entente and the Belgian-British treaty of 1839
• First deployment of troops
• Liberalism: Liberalism explain that the UK entered the I World War? Liberalism, Britain's trade and economic interests (free trade/ free navigation and the productivity of British capitalism)

Objectives and Key Themes

This essay aims to analyze the reasons behind the United Kingdom's entry into World War I. It examines the political, diplomatic, and economic factors that contributed to this decision, focusing on the roles of neoclassical realism and liberalism.

• The UK's diplomatic commitments and the role of the Triple Entente
• The significance of the Belgian-British treaty of 1839 and the defense of Belgian neutrality
• The impact of British trade and economic interests on the decision to go to war
• The influence of liberal internationalist principles on British foreign policy
• The interplay of power politics and ideological considerations in the UK's decision-making process

Chapter Summaries

The introduction sets the context for the essay by exploring the historical background of the First World War and outlining the research question. It analyzes the political causes that led to the UK's formal declaration of war against Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy.

The chapter on the formal declaration of war delves into the British-Belgium diplomatic ties and the considerations that led to the UK's support of Belgium's neutrality. It examines the roles of the Triple Entente alliance and the Belgian-British treaty of 1839 in shaping the UK's decision to join the war.

The chapter on the first deployment of troops explores the formation and deployment of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) in France. It analyzes the strategic and logistical challenges faced by British forces in the early stages of the war.

The chapter on liberalism examines how liberal internationalist principles, such as free trade, free navigation, and the productivity of British capitalism, influenced the UK's decision to enter the war. It explores the liberal perspective on international relations and its application to the British experience.

Keywords

This essay focuses on key terms and concepts including: neoclassical realism, liberalism, Triple Entente, Belgian-British treaty of 1839, Belgian neutrality, British foreign policy, World War I, international relations, power politics, ideological considerations, trade, economic interests, and free trade.

• College: University of Kent (Brussels School of International Relations)
• Grade: 2,0
• Author: Otto Möller (Author)
• Publication Year: 2016
• Pages: 10
• Catalog Number: V373382
• ISBN (eBook): 9783668510807
• ISBN (Book): 9783668510814
• Language: English
• Tags: England, Neoclassical Realism, World war 1, liberalism, theory, britsh, capitalism, trade