Fundamentals of Peace Strategies in International Relations: A Comparative Study Between Liberal Democracy and Islamic Theory

Abstract

The present study attempts to reconcile the principles of peace strategies of liberal democracy and Islam. In this study, it has been clarified that there are commonalities and differences between these principles. Among the differences is that the principles of peace strategies in international relations from the perspective of Islam are based on complete and flawless divine teachings, are not subject to change and transformation, and have a superior position; However, the foundations of the liberal democratic theory are based on the conditions that man has established, and at the top of that pyramid is Immanuel Kant, the founder of democratic peace. The legal foundations used in this thought are of the type of human law, imperfect, unstable, and subject to change. Liberals believe that the culture of democratic peace should be exported to non-democratic countries, either through changing political systems or even through war if possible; But when we consider Islam from an Islamic perspective, it has used various means, including (invitation), for the culture of peace. Still, the common ground between these two theories in terms of fundamentals is that both believe in the primacy of peace in international relations. Both theories consider war as an exception and believe that disputes should be resolved through negotiation. Based on both theories, diplomatic, political, and economic relations between countries create peace and relative tranquility. Many countries prefer relations in these areas and do not consider war as a solution. War is considered a solution when national interests and the goals of the system are at risk. Unfortunately, superpowers are taking advantage of these principles and trying to eliminate weak and so-called non-democratic countries from the international scene by accusing them.