Examine the differences between democratic and autocratic states in terms of their characteristics and consequences for global order (12)

Point 1: Difference in how much power is centralised

Democratic States

• Decentralise power across branches & civil society - transparency + accountability

• Leaders elected; free media, independent legislature and judiciary scrutinise decisions

• USA operates on a federal system with distinct executive, legislative and judicial branches checking each other. Elections, such as the 2024 Presidential election, ensure peaceful and stable power transitions even during political tensions

Autocratic States

• Centralise power in a single leader - dissent curbed through repression

• Judiciary and media subordinated to the regime

• Under Xi Jinping, China consolidated power through CCP where dissent suppressed through strict censorship, arrests & surveillance

Point 2: Autocratic states more likely to engage in conflict

Democratic States

• According to democratic peace theory, democracies less likely to go to war due to institutional checks, transparent decision-making, and shared values that discourage conflict.

• NATO (alliance of democracies) avoided internal wars between members since its creation in 1949, showing stability democracies bring to international relations. This peace has lasted despite economic and political disagreements and competition between member states.

Autocratic States

• Autocratic states often pursue aggressive foreign policies because leaders face fewer domestic constraints. They may use military action to distract from internal issues or assert dominance without checks on executive power.

• Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 illustrates this, as Putin’s regime bypassed international norms and democratic oversight, escalating a major conflict without needing to consider public support for war.

Point 3: Autocracies more likely to lead to internal conflict, civil war, regional instability

Democratic States

• Less likely to face large-scale internal conflict: judicial systems resolve disputes peacefully; elections allow peaceful changes in power. Political opposition is channelled into democratic processes rather than violence

• Example: USA — Despite political divisions during the 2020 presidential election, institutions like the judiciary and Congress maintained order and prevented widespread unrest

Autocratic States

• Often create internal unrest due to oppression, lack of representation, and restricted freedoms. Can escalate into civil war, creating regional instability

• Example: Syria — Bashar al-Assad’s violent crackdowns on peaceful protests led to over a decade of civil war from 2011, with over 500,000 deaths; Assad was eventually forced out in 2024. The war destabilised Syria and had regional/global repercussions, including millions displaced and neighbouring countries overwhelmed by refugees

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