The Dangers of Democratic Foreign Policy

Research Fellow Bruce Thornton discusses the challenges of foreign policy in a democratic state, based on his recent book Democracy’s Dangers and Discontents: The Tyranny of the Majority from the Greeks to Obama. He begins with examining the drawbacks of using widespread discussion and deliberation for prompt decision making, which is a critical component for successful foreign policy. He argues that elections, accountability, and other democratic institutions deter the long-term thinking and sustained morale for war. He ends with a discussion on the trade-offs necessitated by democratic institutions.