/Democratic Peace Theory/EPIS Basics/Working GroupsHome

Democratic Peace Theory

/ˌdɛməˈkrætɪk piːs ˈθɪəri/

File photo
Photo · EPIS Archive
Key Insights

The Democratic Peace Theory argues that democracies are reluctant to engage in armed conflict with other democracies. This theory proposes that shared democratic norms lead to higher level of peaceful relations among democratic countries. It is based on the notion that democracies are accountable to their citizens, and citizens generally prefer peace over conflicts. However, critics argue that other factors such as economic ties also play a role in influencing interstate relations since democracies are not completely immune to conflict.

Watch on YouTube
1 min read

Pablo Mathis Pablo Mathis studied Security Studies at Leiden University in the Netherlands and now pursued a Master at the Kings College London. Pablo’s main area of interest is national security, with a special focus on great-power competition and nuclear and conventional deterrence. When analyzing these issues, Pablo believes in adopting a historical perspective and building on various international relations theories.

Cite this brief
Mathis, P. (2023). Democratic Peace Theory. EPIS Insight · Peacekeeping & Conflict Prevention.
© 2026 EPIS · Independent · Non-partisan · Funded by the EPIS FellowsImprint · Privacy · RSS