War

Dear Philosopher, If I and many others believe in true democracy, where everybody votes, why do we still have war, civil and with other countries? Tate Putnins, 13 yrs, Box Hill (Melbourne), Victoria, Australia

Comments

It is often said that democracies do not go to war, but this is untrue. Why should a majority of the population not on occasion wish to go to war, or indeed slaughter part of its own population (presumably the minority)? We are used to the fact that some people can be evil, and it is not difficult to imagine that the majority of the people could also be evil, or stupid, or ill-advised and so on. So there is nothing incompatible between democracy and war.

I might add two bits to Oliver's remarks:

1. Democracies actually exhibit a rather militant history.

2. Wars of aggression, even if supported by a majority, would still, I think, violate important precepts of democracy. Democracy is not simply, after all, majority rule. It also involves protecting minorities and individuals (including the individuals of other nations) from the predation of the state and of majorities. A war of agreession civilly or internationally would violate these prinicples. Wars of self-defense or for the sake of protecting human rights are another matter.

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