The Territorial Peace
Borders, State Development, and International Conflict

Uses an innovative theory of state development to explain patterns of international conflict and democracy in the world over time.

Douglas M. Gibler (Author)

9781107016217, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 13 September 2012

204 pages, 1 b/w illus. 13 tables
23.6 x 15.7 x 1.6 cm, 0.44 kg

'In tracing the complex and dynamic relationships between territorial disputes, domestic political centralization, democratic regimes, and international conflict, The Territorial Peace develops a novel and intriguing explanation for the near absence of war between democracies, and makes a powerful argument for the central role of territorial issues in international relations. Gibler engages some of the most central questions in the field, and all conflict analysts must deal with his argument.' Jack S. Levy, Board of Governors' Professor, Rutgers University

There is continued discussion in International Relations surrounding the existence (or not) of the 'democratic peace' - the idea that democracies do not fight each other. This book argues that threats to homeland territories force centralization within the state, for three reasons. First, territorial threats are highly salient to individuals, and leaders must respond by promoting the security of the state. Second, threatened territories must be defended by large, standing land armies and these armies can then be used as forces for repression during times of peace. Finally, domestic political bargaining is dramatically altered during times of territorial threat, with government opponents joining the leader in promoting the security of the state. Leaders therefore have a favorable environment in which to institutionalize greater executive power. These forces explain why conflicts are associated with centralized states, and in turn why peace is associated with democracy.

1. Introduction
Part I. International Borders: 2. Territorial issues and international conflict
3. Individual, state, and territorial issues
Part II. State Development: 4. Territorial threats and political behaviour
5. Territorial threats, standing armies, and state repression
6. Territorial threats and domestic institutions
Part III. The Territorial Peace: 7. Territorial peace among neighbours
8. Territorial peace and negotiated compromises
9. Territorial peace and victory in conflict
10. Final thoughts.

Subject Areas: International relations [JPS]