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Dove

You believe negotiation, dialogue, and diplomacy resolve conflicts more effectively and morally than military force.

Overview Issues Discuss

About

  • The "Dove" political ideology refers to a general attitude or stance in favor of diplomacy, negotiation, and peaceful solutions over the use of military force or aggressive tactics in international relations and conflict resolution. The term "dove" is often contrasted with "hawk," which describes those who advocate for a more assertive, interventionist, or militaristic approach. The imagery of the dove, a bird traditionally associated with peace, has been used for centuries in religious and cultural symbolism, but its political usage became especially prominent during the 20th century.

    The origins of the "dove" label in politics can be traced back to debates over war and peace, particularly during the Cold War era. In the United States and other Western countries, the terms "dove" and "hawk" gained widespread usage during the Vietnam War, when public opinion was sharply divided between those who supported continued military involvement (hawks) and those who called for withdrawal and peaceful negotiation (doves). However, the underlying ideology of dovishness—prioritizing nonviolent solutions and caution in the use of force—has roots in earlier pacifist and anti-war movements, such as those that emerged in response to World War I and II.

    Doves are not necessarily absolute pacifists; rather, they tend to emphasize the costs, risks, and unintended consequences of military action, advocating for exhausting all diplomatic options before considering force. This ideology often aligns with support for international institutions, arms control agreements, and conflict prevention measures. Over time, the dove-hawk dichotomy has been applied to a wide range of issues beyond war, including debates over defense spending, nuclear proliferation, and humanitarian interventions. While the specific policies and contexts may vary, the core of the dove ideology remains a preference for peaceful engagement and skepticism toward the efficacy and morality of war as a tool of statecraft.

Opposing ideologies

These ideologies are least similar to Dove.

Total State Control

You believe only a comprehensive state apparatus can create the order, unity, and direction a society needs to thrive.

Arming UK PoliceFlag BurningPublic Protest RestrictionsLGBT Adoption RightsTrident Nuclear Weapons Programme

Totalitarianism

You believe only a comprehensive state apparatus can create the order, unity, and direction a society needs to thrive.

Arming UK PoliceLGBT Adoption RightsPublic Protest RestrictionsTrident Nuclear Weapons ProgrammeFlag Burning

Objectivist

You believe rational pursuit of your own values and productivity is the moral foundation of a free and prosperous society.

Ethical Artificial IntelligenceArming UK PoliceNo-Fault EvictionsMental HealthTrident Nuclear Weapons Programme

Conservative

You believe what we have is worth protecting, and the risks of major change outweigh the potential benefits.

ImmigrationTrident Nuclear Weapons ProgrammeLGBT Adoption RightsSafe HavenRejoining the EU

Restorationist

You believe society has taken wrong turns and should return to the proven values and structures that once made it stronger.

LGBT Adoption RightsImmigrationTrident Nuclear Weapons ProgrammeParental Smacking BanRejoining the EU

Anarcho-Capitalism

Achieving a society where individual freedom is maximized through the elimination of government intervention and the promotion of voluntary exchanges within a free market system.

Economic StimulusForeign AidMental HealthWorld Health OrganizationPublic Transportation

Neo-Nazism

Establishing a society based on racial purity and authoritarian rule to promote national unity and strength.

LGBT Adoption RightsRight of Foreigners to VoteDeath PenaltyNiqābTransgender Athletes

Neo-Fascism

A strong, authoritarian government can create a unified, orderly society that prioritizes national identity and traditional values.

LGBT Adoption RightsDrug PolicyDeath PenaltyMandatory Military ServiceTransgender Athletes

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