Currently, some European democracies are doing a better job than the United States on economic justice on ensuring the health of women, providing nutrition for children, and creating housing for the poor. Established democracies do not go to war with each other. This benefit is unique to democracies. Wars destroy more life, liberty, and potential for happiness than almost any other social or political phenomenon.
War is the ultimate destroyer of economic justice.
As more of the world's populations have sought these benefits, the number of democracies has increased throughout the world. Since 1990, many other nations have begun to develop the procedures for democracy even as they struggle with deeply held cultural traditions that conflict with democratic values. Russia and Indonesia are examples. Many long-term, regional conflicts are being addressed through nonviolent means because democratic values are governing the process. The negotiations in South Africa, between Israel and Palestine, and in Northern Ireland provide recent examples.