Democracies often go to war but almost never against each other. Indeed, "the democratic peace" has become a catchphrase among scholars and even U.S. Presidents. But why do democracies avoid fighting each other? Reliable Partners offers the first systematic and definitive explanation. Examining decades of research and speculation on the subject and testing this against the history of relations between democracies over the last two centuries, Charles Lipson concludes that constitutional democracies have a "contracting advantage"--a unique ability to settle conflicts with each other by durable agreements. In so doing he forcefully counters realist claims that a regime's character is irrelevant to war and peace. Lipson argues that because democracies are confident their bargains will stick, they can negotiate effective settlements with each other rather than incur the great costs of war.
Why are democracies more reliable partners? Because their politics are uniquely open to outside scrutiny and facilitate long-term commitments. They cannot easily bluff, deceive, or launch surprise attacks. While this transparency weakens their bargaining position, it also makes their promises more credible--and more durable, for democracies are generally stable. Their leaders are constrained by constitutional rules, independent officials, and the political costs of abandoning public commitments. All this allows for solid bargains between democracies. When democracies contemplate breaking their agreements, their open debate gives partners advance notice and a chance to protect themselves. Hence agreements among democracies are less risky than those with nondemocratic states. Setting rigorous analysis in friendly, vigorous prose, Reliable Partners resolves longstanding questions about the democratic peace and highlights important new findings about democracies in world politics, from rivalries to alliances. Above all, it shows conclusively that democracies are uniquely adapted to seal enduring bargains with each other and thus avoid the blight of war.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 3.5 / 5.0
Good theory but not a page turner:
Lipson lays out a compelling argument for the contracting advantage of democracies leading to more peaceful relations among them. Contrary to a previous review, he does present good reasons why elected leaders can't just toss everything their predecessors did out the window (e.g. constitutional constraints, reciprocality, etc.) and explains that, even when they manage to, the public debate has given other states fair warning to adjust policy. That said, the overall quality of the writing could have been a... more info
Agree to disagree:
I think the previous reviewer just has an ax to grind about democratic peace theory in general. I do not agree in everything "Good Time Charlie" Lipson says, but I do think that his argument is solid, original, and worth a closer look.
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