Peace and stability mean more than mere deterrence. Liberalism requires that the causes of violent conflicts be reduced by political and diplomatic action as well as by social, economic and cultural development. The understandable urge of man to solve difficulties for ever is the root of totalitarianism. Women and men should have the same opportunity to participate in the development of their countries. III Institutional Issues in Modern Democracies 10.
Liberalism requires the continual reform and renewal of democratic institutions.
Liberals are aware of the fact that liberal democracy is not a perfect system but it is the one most favorable to freedom, human dignity and social justice. Starting from the premise that every system can be improved and that to remain static is a threat to stability and the future, liberal democracy can be described as the system most able to meet the permanent challenge of improvement and reform. It is the institutions in which values are embodied that change, not the values themselves.