Which perspective would most likely argue that democracies do not go to war with one another because leaders have to appeal to larger coalitions to survive politically and, therefore, choose wars only with nondemocratic countries in which democracies enjoy an advantage in mobilizing military resources?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The argument presented in the question aligns with the liberal perspective, which emphasizes the role of institutions, norms, and shared values in shaping state behavior. In democracies, leaders face pressures from civil society, interest groups and the media, which make it hard for them to pursue policies that go against public opinion. This can make democracies more cautious and responsive to international norms and institutions, reducing the likelihood of conflict with other democracies. However, this perspective does not suggest that democracies do not go to war at all, but that they are less likely to do so with each other.

Which Perspective Would Most Likely Argue That Democracies Do Not