Democratic peace theory: a realistic challenge - Essay Example

Democratic Peace Theory: A realistic challenge . This essay is a critique of the democratic peace hypothesis. It describes the theory and evaluates it with reference to the realistic theory and works of two realist theorists, Kenneth Waltz and Thomas Hobbes. Democratic peace theory is not likely to bring the desired results, because of human Selfishness and greed for more power. The democratic peace theory states that nations which have adopted democracy as a form of governance, are less likely to wage war against each other, because democracy is closer to peace than any other form of governance.

The theory of realism, states that the existence of states is motivated by desire for power, and security. These two theories are opposed to each other and the substance of democratic peace theory can be challenged in many ways. There is nothing new in what the democratic peace theory has to state. It is a common human and moral lesson that war is senseless and useless, and does not serve any purpose. A close analysis of the wars during the past few centuries reveals that in most of the wars, America and Britain were the chief players.

The paradox lies in the fact that these are the two most prominent democracies of this world !!! Where is the root of any war Undoubtedly, the infinite greed of human being for power, his selfishness and drive to dominate over others, and his belief in right for self defense form the roots of almost all the wars. Will states ever stop becoming selfish or greedy Will they ever be ready to give up their rights for self defense Popular realist scholar, Thomas Hobbes, asserts in his book, ' Leviathan', establishes the basis of state and society.

He asserts that self interest is the driving force behind establishment of any state. His theory is validated by the fact that individuals of a society, or a state, who vary in their capacities to fight against violent deaths, need to succumb to an authority, which can protect him. This authority, according to him, is a state. This authority can be in any form, monarchy, aristocracy or democracy. Hobbes extends his theory in this book, by explaining that any state should not be aggressive unless attacked or harmed by any other state.

He stresses on the theory of ' do not harm'. (Thomas Hobbes) Another present day realist scholar, Kenneth Waltz, the founder of neo-realism, explains the behavior of the state. He asserts that the actions of a state are in response to the circumstances created by international scenario and competition. Many times, states may be limited in their choices and options. He asserts that every state faces the challenge of ensuring its own security.(Kenneth waltz) The democratic peace theory is wrong in its basic assumption that a democratic nation is less likely to engage in a war with another democratic nation.

The bare truth of our world is that each and every individual or any state, is always under a constant threat of insecurity. The theory of 'live and let live' is never implemented and democracy is never put in practice. America and Britain have demonstrated that they just cannot mind their own business, and let others live in peace. If its not any of these two, its China, Russia or any other mighty power, engaging in affairs of other nations. What right did China have to gulp Tibet Conclusively it can be said that the democratic peace theory is wrong in its basic assumptions.

Democratic nations may be peace loving, but hey do not necessarily practice democracy nor do they give up heir rights to self defense. Both the realist scholars Thomas Hobbes and Kenneth Waltz also point towards self interest and interference by others as factors compelling the state to take necessary actions, and that action can be war also. They correctly challenge the democratic peace theory. References : 1. Thomas Hobbes, Wikipedia the free encyclopedia, 11 September 2007, Retrieved on 12 September from: < http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Hobbes > 2.

Kenneth Waltz. Wikipedia the free encyclopedia, 28 August 2007, Retrieved on 12 September from : < http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenneth_Waltz >