Authoritarian Peace

Definition

Authoritarian peace refers to the phenomenon where authoritarian regimes tend to experience lower levels of conflict among themselves compared to interactions between democracies and authoritarian states. This concept suggests that dictatorships may avoid wars with one another to maintain stability and control, often prioritizing regime survival over expansionist ambitions. The idea also connects with the broader discourse on the nature of peace in international relations, particularly in relation to democratic peace theory.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Authoritarian peace challenges the conventional view of peace as predominantly a characteristic of democratic states, showing that non-democratic regimes can also create stability among themselves.
2. Studies indicate that authoritarian regimes are less likely to go to war with each other because they have a mutual interest in preserving their political systems and avoiding instability.
3. This concept posits that while authoritarian states may suppress dissent domestically, they may also collaborate internationally to prevent uprisings or democratic movements from spreading across borders.
4. The relationships between authoritarian states can be characterized by non-aggression pacts and economic cooperation, contrasting with the more dynamic interactions seen among democracies.
5. Authoritarian peace raises questions about the role of governance type in international conflict, prompting debates on whether democracy truly fosters global peace or if authoritarian regimes can maintain stability through different means.

Review Questions

• How does authoritarian peace relate to the democratic peace theory, particularly in terms of conflict resolution between states?
  • Authoritarian peace contrasts with democratic peace theory by demonstrating that non-democratic states also experience lower levels of conflict among themselves. While democratic peace theory suggests that democracies refrain from war due to shared norms and institutions, authoritarian regimes may choose not to engage in conflict due to their need for stability and regime survival. Both concepts highlight the impact of governance type on international relations, but authoritarian peace specifically focuses on the dynamics between non-democratic regimes.
• Evaluate the implications of authoritarian peace for international relations and global stability in contrast to the principles of realism.
  • The implications of authoritarian peace suggest a potential for stability among authoritarian regimes that realism may not fully account for. Realism posits that states act in their self-interest often leading to conflict; however, authoritarian states might prioritize regime preservation over expansionist goals, resulting in lower aggression towards each other. This raises questions about the predictability of state behavior based on governance type and suggests a nuanced understanding of power dynamics within international relations.
• Assess how the concept of authoritarian peace influences our understanding of global conflicts and alliances in contemporary politics.
  • The concept of authoritarian peace influences our understanding of global conflicts by highlighting how regime type affects alliances and diplomatic strategies. In contemporary politics, authoritarian states often form partnerships based on shared interests rather than ideological alignment, as seen in cases where they support each other against democratic movements. This understanding challenges traditional views that emphasize ideological divides as primary drivers of international relations and suggests that pragmatic considerations around stability and security can shape global alliances.

Related terms

Democratic Peace Theory: A theory suggesting that democracies are less likely to engage in armed conflict with one another due to shared norms, institutional checks, and a greater emphasis on negotiation.

Realism: A major theoretical perspective in international relations focusing on power politics, where states act primarily in their own self-interest, often leading to conflict.

Regime Stability: The ability of a political regime to maintain its authority and governance structure over time, often through coercive means or through popular support.