This Week's Evil Islam Thread

[Rhyfelwyr]

When a dictator fights a dictator, one of them will of course win.

I fail to see how stating the obvious is an argument though.

Don't get too carried away. Being a democracy doesn't make you invincible, you can't take the democratic success idea to be an absolute rule. The form of government is a moderately-important factor when weighed up against other things in determining how a war will come out. Most studies show democracy to be the best form in this respect, although there is also a tendency for the most authoritarian regimes to do pretty well, so the consolidation of the government in question has also got a lot to do with things.

[HoreTore]

Don't get too carried away. Being a democracy doesn't make you invincible, you can't take the democratic success idea to be an absolute rule. The form of government is a moderately-important factor when weighed up against other things in determining how a war will come out. Most studies show democracy to be the best form in this respect, although there is also a tendency for the most authoritarian regimes to do pretty well, so the consolidation of the government in question has also got a lot to do with things.

The humble points remains the same: for a democracy to survive, it needs to adhere to democratic principles.

[rory_20_uk]

And an equally good way for democracies to end is to be truly democratic (with the voters having views on everything).

[HoreTore]

And an equally good way for democracies to end is to be truly democratic (with the voters having views on everything).

I'm having opinions on everything, and I don't see Norway ending anytime soon.

[rory_20_uk]

I am sure that people in China and North Korea have opinions... I rather fail to see the relevance of it.

[Rhyfelwyr]

And an equally good way for democracies to end is to be truly democratic (with the voters having views on everything).

You know we mean liberal democracy when we talk about democracy nowadays. Protection of human rights and the separation of powers are IMO much more important than the 51%+ say how things go aspect.

[rory_20_uk]

Protection of human rights can itself undermine democracy, as it precludes any effective method of dealing with some individuals.

Pacifism theoretically is great until someone plays by different rules.

[Rhyfelwyr]

Protection of human rights can itself undermine democracy, as it precludes any effective method of dealing with some individuals.

I cannot think of any such examples, although that's maybe because my take on rights is that you lose them when you fail to respect them.

Pacifism theoretically is great until someone plays by different rules.

The whole democratic peace idea is based on realist principles you know...

[rory_20_uk]

I completely agree with the concept that rights can be lost (and if appropriate, regained), and this invalidates my argument.

The 1930's show that defence is not always based on realism.