Why do liberal internationalists consider international law important?

Liberal internationalists view international law as a vital engine for global progress and a necessary tool for organizing the international system. While critics—particularly realists—often dismiss international law as ineffective due to the lack of a central sovereign to enforce it, liberal internationalists maintain that it is essential for regulating state behavior and reinforcing liberal norms.1

The importance of international law to this tradition rests on several key principles:

• Fostering Cooperation: Liberal internationalists argue that as states habitually comply with established rules, the level of cooperation across the international system increases.1
• Institutional Integration: They advocate for embedding international law within robust institutional structures, such as the United Nations and supranational judicial bodies like the International Criminal Court.1
• Systemic Reform: By providing a framework for conduct, international law serves as a mechanism to move political communities toward more harmonious cooperation, serving as a primary strategy for reform alongside free trade.1

Ultimately, liberal internationalists believe that despite its imperfections, international law is a critical instrument for promoting stability and peace in an interdependent world.1