This project sought to explore how the core principles and values of the liberal international order that has developed since 1945, and expanded after 1989, are now being challenged and potentially eroded. One key part of this liberal order has been the notion of democracy as a better form of government and capable of providing important goods, such as peace and prosperity. Another feature has been the rise of human rights and the proposal that in certain cases force should be used to protect civilians. This project reflected on these aspects, identifying the way that liberal values were often undermined by inconsistent practices and a mistaken sense of virtue, as well as excessive confidence about what the use of force can achieve. Outcomes from the project included presenting papers at the National University of Singapore and the London School of Economics, and articles published in the journals, ‘Perspectives on Politics’ and ‘Political Studies Review’, as well as laying the groundwork for future funding applications and a larger book project.