Democracy versus Dictatorships

Democracies and dictatorships have different policy differences and face different incentives. Democracies need a larger winning coalition and aim to produce effective public policies to stay in power. In contrast, dictators have a smaller winning coalition and can afford to be more adventurous in war. Democracies are less likely to go to war and are risk-averse, while dictators are more willing to fight wars to grab resources and expand their control. Democracies also pursue economic policies that benefit the general public, while dictators focus on rewarding their cronies.