This paper examines why democratic states tend to win international crises. It tests multiple theories about democratic political systems against a dataset of 422 conflicts from 1918-1994.
🔍 Data & Methods
Drawing on established frameworks, we analyze crisis outcomes using regression analysis and compare findings across different theoretical lenses.
đź’ˇ Key Findings
• Democracies do not simply avoid conflict but selectively engage in disputes where they can prevail • Their political systems help explain why leaders are more responsive to domestic audiences during international crises • The democratic peace phenomenon appears genuine despite earlier debates about its causes • Audience costs—a consequence of democratic accountability—play a crucial role in crisis decision-making
đź“š Why It Matters
Our results offer clearer insights into the mechanisms behind democratic peace theories, suggesting that democratic institutions themselves shape state behavior rather than just reflecting common interests.
