America's Foreign Policy Practice Ecam

How does the U.S. view the relationship between democracies in terms of warfare?

1. Democracies are likely to wage war against each other

2. Democracies do not wage war on each other

3. Democracies are easily manipulated by dictatorships

4. Democracies only engage in economic warfare

The correct answer is: Democracies do not wage war on each other

The understanding that democracies do not wage war against each other is rooted in the Democratic Peace Theory, which suggests that democratic nations are less likely to engage in armed conflict with one another compared to non-democratic states. This theory posits that the shared values, norms, and institutions found in democracies promote peaceful conflict resolution and discourage military aggression between them. The rationale behind this view includes the idea that democratic leaders are accountable to their citizens, who generally bear the costs of war, thus creating a disincentive for initiating conflicts with other democracies. Additionally, the likelihood of resolution through diplomatic channels is higher among democratic states, reinforcing stability and peace. In contrast, the proposition that democracies are likely to wage war against each other undermines this foundational theory and ignores the evidence that shows a pattern of peace among democratic nations. Similarly, the notions of manipulation by dictatorships or exclusive engagement in economic warfare do not accurately reflect the complex dynamics of international relations as understood in the context of democratic states.