Reforming dictatorships

In 2003, leaders of the US and Britain supported a war against Iraq on the basis that it would “liberate” the people of Iraq from dictatorship. One effect of a war against dictatorships is that democracy could be introduced. However, the other effects of war- death, destruction and lawlessness- mean that it is far more preferable that peaceful means are used to deliver democracy to those living under dictatorial regimes. At any rate, there are over thirty dictatorships in the world today. Going to war with all of them would leave behind a level of death and destruction that would shame humanity.

The way to help people living under dictatorships is for democracies to work with dictators. Trade and economic incentives, particularly aid, could be offered to dictators in exchange for democratic reform. The promise of economic benefits could be combined with the risk of diplomatic isolation and targeted economic sanctions if dictators refused to reform, which would increase the pressure in favour of democratisation.

If a dictator chooses to attack his own people, then there are some ways of saving their lives short of all out war. For example, the United Nations could authorise the use of human rights monitors, or the dictator could be arrested and tried in the International Criminal Court. Every option should be explored before condemning a country to the inevitable bloodbath that would accompany a full-scale war.

However, if nothing else can be done to defend human life, as a last resort the United Nations should use its power to authorise military intervention. It is essential that the decision to use force be made by a collective organisation such as the UN Security Council, as there will be little hope for collective peace and security if individual states take it upon themselves to attack dictators.