MA

PROVISIONAL AREA OR THEME OF STUDY, INCLUDING RATIONALE AND RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

Rationale:

Democracy has been considered a key factor in promoting peace and stability in the international system. Scholars have argued that democratic states are less likely to go to war with one another due to the institutional constraints and norms that promote peaceful conflict resolution. However, this claim has been contested by critics who argue that democracy is not a panacea for all conflicts and may increase the likelihood of war in some cases. This research proposal aims to explore the relationship between democracy and war and investigate whether the spread of democracy can solve the problem of war.

Research Objectives:

1- To develop a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical arguments for and against the claim that democracy promotes peace. This objective aims to critically review and evaluate the literature on democratic peace theory, including its criticisms and debates. The research will involve a thorough examination of the works of key theorists, such as Immanuel Kant, Michael Doyle, and Bruce Russett.

2- To conduct a systematic analysis of the empirical evidence on the relationship between democracy and war. This objective aims to evaluate the existing empirical studies that have investigated the link between democracy and war, including the incidence of both interstate and intrastate conflicts. The research will involve a comprehensive review of relevant literature published in academic journals, such as the Journal of Peace Research and International Security.

3- To investigate the role of democratic institutions and norms in promoting peace. This objective aims to explore the role of democratic institutions, such as free and fair elections, separation of powers, and civil society, in promoting peaceful conflict resolution. The research will involve a review of key works on democratic institutions and norms, including the writings of Robert Putnam and Francis Fukuyama.

4- To identify the challenges and limitations of democracy in promoting peace. This objective aims to identify the challenges and limitations of democracy in promoting peace, including the role of economic interests, nationalism, and identity politics in fuelling conflicts. The research will involve a review of key works on the limitations of democracy, including the writings of Samuel Huntington and Francis Fukuyama.

INDICATIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY:

· Doyle, M. (1983). Kant, Liberal Legacies, and Foreign Affairs. Philosophy and Public Affairs, 12(3), 205-235.

· Russett, B., & Oneal, J. R. (2001). Triangulating Peace: Democracy, Interdependence, and International Organizations. W.W. Norton & Company.

· Gartzke, E., Li, Q., & Boehmer, C. (2001). Investing in the Peace: Economic Interdependence and International Conflict. International Organization, 55(2), 391-438.

· Putnam, R. D. (1993). Making Democracy Work: Civic Traditions in Modern Italy. Princeton University Press.

· Fukuyama, F. (1992). The End of History and the Last Man. Free Press.

· Huntington, S. P. (1991). The Third Wave: Democratization in the Late Twentieth Century. University of Oklahoma Press.

· Sambanis, N. (2001). Do Ethnic and Nonethnic Civil Wars Have the Same Causes? Journal of Conflict Resolution, 45(3), 259-282.

· Collier, P., & Hoeffler, A. (2004). Greed and Grievance in Civil War. Oxford Economic Papers, 56(4), 563-595.