Golden Arches Theory

The Golden Arches Theory posits that countries with a McDonald’s franchise will not go to war with each other, as economic development and integration reduce the likelihood of conflict. This concept, a modern take on the commercial peace theory, suggests that a certain level of prosperity, symbolized by the presence of McDonald’s, fosters peaceful relations. However, the theory has been challenged by conflicts such as the 2006 Israel-Lebanon war, the 2008 Russia-Georgia war, and the Russia-Ukraine conflicts starting in 2014 and 2022.