Democracy, Autocracy, and Direction of Lethal Violence: Homicide and Suicide

Abstract

Using the framework of civilizing theory and attributional style of blame theory, the present researcher examines the role of democracy in rates of homicide and suicide. The regression analyses, which were based on information from 120 countries, indicated that democracy is related to a reduced homicide rate and an increased suicide rate. This finding implies that people in a democratic nation are likely to direct violence inward rather than outward, blaming themselves for their failures and frustrations. By contrast, those in ideal autocratic nations are likely to use violence toward others, directing blame outwards for personal failures and frustrations.