The Perils of Democracy in Wartime

Throughout the novel, the actions of the democratic population of Athens are called into question. The Athenian populace are portrayed as fickle and easily swayed by circumstances and the words of skillful politicians. This portrayal might seem familiar to modern readers living in democracies because, fundamentally, democracy has changed little since ancient times. Politicians still rely on the whim of the voting public while also manipulating that public to the best of their abilities to get support for what they want. In the case of the Peloponnesian War and arguably throughout subsequent wars worldwide, democracy has worked against the interests of a state.

Prolonged warfare takes a toll on a populace, leading a democratic state to vote for change more often than not, even if pursuing the status quo would be a preferable course of action. The democratic population can harm their own...