Francis Fukuyama (1952- ) published a groundbreaking article titled "The End of History?" in 1989, which he then expanded into a book in 1992. In "The End of History?", Fukuyama says that we have reached "the end point of mankind's ideological evolution and the universalization of Western liberal democracy as the final form of human government." (Fukuyama) This move towards liberal democracy is ongoing, but in the long run liberalism will be the dominant and final form of government. He looks at the concept of history being a "process with a beginning, a middle, and an end," originally proposed by Hegel. Fukuyama uses Alexandre Kojeve's interpretation of Hegel. Even though the evolution had not fully been realized, the Battle of Jena "marked the end of history because.........the vanguard of humanity actualized the principles of the French Revolution. In other words, the "basic principles of the liberal democratic state could not be improved upon.
Fukuyama provides evidence to substantiate his claim that we have reached the end of history. He shows that the challenges presented to liberalism by fascism and communism have failed. He uses China as an example; even a country like China has become more identified with liberalism, although it is by no means a liberal democracy. Fukuyama presents religion and nationalism as two other challenges, although both can be resolved by liberalism.
Ultimately, the "end of history" will not affect international relations significantly. National interests will still be important, and conflict will still exist.
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Fukuyama provides evidence to substantiate his claim that we have reached the end of history. He shows that the challenges presented to liberalism by fascism and communism have failed. He uses China as an example; even a country like China has become more identified with liberalism, although it is by no means a liberal democracy. Fukuyama presents religion and nationalism as two other challenges, although both can be resolved by liberalism.
Ultimately, the "end of history" will not affect international relations significantly. National interests will still be important, and conflict will still exist.
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