<p>The stability of composite structures are fundamental problems in continuum mechanics. In present study, considering piezoelectric and electrostrictive effects simultaneously, electro-induced nonlinear buckling and post-buckling characteristics of graphene platelets (GPL) reinforced functionally graded dielectric circular plates are examined. Firstly, equivalent dielectric constant and Young’s modulus of the intelligent composites with different GPL distribution patterns are calculated according to effective medium theory, in which the gradient characteristics, the imperfect combination between reinforcements and matrix, the interface electron tunnel and the Maxwell–Wagner–Silla polarization are considered. Then, the nonlinear displacement governing differential equations are derived according to von Kármán nonlinear plate theory and virtual work principle and solved by shooting method for different boundary conditions. The buckling critical voltage and post-buckling deflection-voltage path under various conditions are obtained. Finally, the effects of distribution pattern, gradient slope and geometrical dimension parameters of GPL, as well as interface phase size on the critical electrical parameters and post-buckling characteristics are examined by cross-scale analysis between micro and macro in detail. This research may offer theoretical guidance value for the engineering design of the intelligent structures.</p>