Reliable Partners: How Democracies Have Made a Separate Peace by Charles Lipson Details
Democracies often go to war, but almost never meet each other. In fact, "democratic peace" has become a motto between scientists and even American presidents. But why do democracies avoid…
Democracies often go to war, but almost never meet each other. In fact, "democratic peace" has become a motto between scientists and even American presidents.
But why do democracies avoid fighting each other? Trusted partners provide the first systematic and final interpretation. By examining decades of research and speculation on this subject and testing it against the history of relations between democracies over the past two centuries, Charles Lipson concludes that constitutional democracies have a "contracting advantage" - a unique ability to settle conflicts with each other permanently through agreements.
It is thus strongly resisting the factual claims that the personality of the regime has nothing to do with war and peace. Lipson argues that since democracies are confident that their deals will stick, they can negotiate effective settlements with each other rather than bear the costs of a costly war. Why are democracies more reliable partners? Because their policies are uniquely open to external scrutiny and facilitate long-term commitments.
They can not easily deceive, cheat or launch surprise attacks. While this transparency weakens its bargaining position, it makes its promises more credible - and more durable, because democracies are generally stable.
Their leaders are bound by constitutional rules, independent officials, and political costs to give up public commitments. All this allows strong demarcation among democracies. When democracies consider breaking their agreements, their open debate gives partners a preconceived idea and an opportunity to protect themselves.
Thus, agreements between democracies are less dangerous than those with undemocratic states. A rigorous analysis of strong sympathetic scandals, addressing credible partners old questions about democratic peace and highlighting important new findings about democracies in global politics, from competition to alliances.
Above all, it shows unequivocally that democracies are uniquely positioned to close permanent deals with each other, thus avoiding the scourge of war.
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