Expanding the Zone of Peace? : Democratization and International Security

Kozhemiakin examines the impact of democratization on the foreign policy of transitional regimes. On the basis of the case studies of four currently democratizing nations (Russia, Ukraine, Serbia and Hungary) and a quantitative analysis of several dozen contemporary and historical cases of democratization, the book challenges the frequently made assumption that international peace is invariably strengthened by the process of democratization. Expanding The Zone Of Peace? Democratization And International Security Challenges The Assumption Frequently Made In Academic And Policy-making Circles That International Peace Is Invariably Strengthened By The Process Of Democratization. Kozhemiakin Argues Instead That Whether Democratization Exerts A Pacifying Influence Or Whether It Inhibits International Cooperation And Promotes Conflict Ultimately Depends On The Success Of The Transitional Process Itself. The Argument Is Supported By Case Studies Of Four Currently Democratizing Nations (russia, Ukraine, Serbia And Hungary) And A Quantitative Analysis Of Several Dozen Contemporary And Historical Cases Of Democratization.--jacket. 1. Expanding The 'pacific Union'? -- 2. The Impact Of Democratization On International Security -- 3. Democratization And Foreign Policy Change In Russia -- 4. Foreign Policy Formulation In Three Democratizing States: Serbia, Hungary And Ukraine -- 5. Global Democratization And International Conflicts -- 6. Peace Through Democratization? Alexander V. Kozhemiakin. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 151-185) And Index. This book challenges the assumption frequently made in academic and policy-making circles that international peace is invariably strengthened by the process of democratization. Alexander Kozhemiakin argues that during problematic democratization, when basic democratic institutions and procedures are implemented and function more or less effectively in an unconsolidated form, yet elite and societal preferences remain illiberal or become radicalized during the turbulent process of transition, international security is seriously threatened. Under these conditions, the emerging democratic attributes, most importantly free elections and executive accountability, serve as a "transmission belt" for hawkish domestic preferences, thus allowing them to shape foreign policy of the transitional regime, making it more assertive, if not aggressive. The argument is supported by case-studies of four currently democratizing nations (Russia, Ukraine, Serbia and Hungary) and a quantitative analysis of several dozen contemporary and historical cases of democratization. Front Matter....Pages i-ix Introduction....Pages 1-4 Expanding the ‘Pacific Union’?....Pages 5-16 The Impact of Democratization on International Security....Pages 17-34 Democratization and Foreign Policy Change in Russia....Pages 35-70 Foreign Policy Formulation in Three Democratizing States: Serbia, Hungary and Ukraine....Pages 71-101 Global Democratization and International Conflicts....Pages 103-127 Peace Through Democratization?....Pages 129-150 Back Matter....Pages 151-190