Rational choice theorists argue that democratic political institutions have two effects on their leaders that make them cautious about going to war with one another: democratic states are more likely to win wars and
A) leaders have a greater sensitivity to the political costs of losing a war.
B) citizens are unlikely to support their government's war efforts.
C) conflict rarely solves the problem at hand.
D) other democracies will intervene to prevent conflict.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Rational choice theorists argue that democratic leaders are more sensitive to the political costs of losing a war because of the mechanisms of accountability in democratic institutions. Leaders know that if they lose a war, they are more likely to be held accountable by their citizens through elections or other forms of political pressure. This makes them more cautious about going to war, which in turn makes wars between democratic states less likely.

Rational Choice Theorists Argue That Democratic Political Institutions Have Two