Evaluate one student's post, how strong is the critique the student identified, do you agree or disagree with the student's position, and why? Make sure you identify at least one aspect you disagree with and explain why!!! (at least 150 words)
Student response:
After a comprehensive reading and analysis of both articles, "Normative and structural causes of democratic peace, 1946-1986" by Moaz & Russett, and “Toward a democratic civil peace? Democracy, political change and war, 1816-1992” by Harvard Hegre, I discovered that the theory of democratic peace refers to the notion that countries with democratic regimes are less inclined to engage in war with each other. According to Harvard Hegre understanding the notion of the democratic peace theory holds great significance.
The implication is that democracies have a collective set of identity, standards, and principles. According to Maoz and Russett, this facilitates peaceful resolution of conflicts for them. Meaning that their hypothesis suggests that the presence of institutional limitations and accountability measures in democratic nations makes it challenging for rulers to commence conflicts. The significance of democracy in fostering peace is emphasized by this. (Maoz and Russett).
Several reasons are pointed out by both authors to explain why democracies are less susceptible to conflict. Democratic norms and values firstly encourage the peaceful resolution of conflicts while discouraging the use of force, as stated by Hegre. One reason why wars are discouraged is that democratic institutions, including unbiased elections, a judiciary that functions independently, and a free press, establish accountability mechanisms. Peaceful avenues for resolving conflicts are also provided (Maoz and Russett; Hegre:). They finally contend that compared to non-democracies, democracies are usually more affluent and stable. According to Hegre, the probability of conflict is decreased.
Upon doing my own research, I stumbled upon an article authored by Christopher Layne, titled "The Imperfect Reasoning of Democratic Peace Theory". Layne's democratic peace theory is subjected to critical examination in this article. According to Layne, the theory's reasoning is incorrect as it overlooks the reality that democracies, similar to other countries, face external pressures and will prioritize their own interests when required. The utilization of military force may be opted for by them. In addition, he contends that the democratic peace theory disregards the significance of power and dominance in global affairs. Non-democratic states can still face aggression from democratic states.
Layne, in his 2003 work, presents significant arguments about the constraints of the democratic peace theory through his critique. Even though the theory presents a beneficial structure for comprehending the correlation among democracies, it fails to consider the intricacies of global affairs and how countries would prioritize their needs when required.
Although I do not completely concur with Layne's viewpoints, I consider his evaluation to be a significant outlook on the democratic peace theory and underlines the urgency for more exploration and examination regarding this matter (Layne, 2003). Hence, his efforts constitute a significant input to the current discussion in this domain.
Original Prompt student answered:
Both articles that you have read this week refer to the democratic peace theory at two different levels or contexts, the international and the domestic.
- What is the democratic peace theory as it is presented in both articles?
- Why according to both authors democracies are less prone to conflict?
- Do a search in Google Scholar or any other academic database and locate an article critiquing the democratic peace theory. (You are more likely to find critiques at the international level, but I would accept a critique at the domestic level as well). Share the critique with your group and state whether you agree with the arguments raised in the article you have found.
Make sure you provide in-text citations and a list of sources at the end of the post.
Sample Solution