I seem to recall random DoWs in M2TW too, albeit much more in M2TW.

M2TW AI though was programmed to attack the human player if the player was at peace. Which meant that the reputation system wasn't good for anything as your nearby friendly nation or even ally would declare war on you because of AI programming. Case in point was me having a very good reputation with Milan, who despite being at war with four other nations still sent 2 half-stacks to take Zaragoza from me and having friendly relations.