rats – It gets all very subjective. 1 mans terrorist is anothers freedom fighter and all at.
Spain and Portugal did not project any significant power or influence after WW2. There is also the sanctity of the nation state.
The Boer war took place before there was true democracy in the UK, full womens suffrage was not granted until 1928, so you could argue we weren’t a deomcracy until then.
The Irish problem is so complex and has so many different viewpoints that it’s impossible to discuss on a forum. Although probably not the UKs finest hours.
Remember no democracy has ever gone to war against another. The system may be flawed but its the best choice out there.