Plain English with Derek Thompson Why the Bad Guys—in China, Russia, Iran, and the U.S.—Are Having a Terrible Winter
Dec 2, 2022
Francis Fukuyama, renowned political scientist and author of 'The End of History and the Last Man,' joins the discussion on the faltering grip of authoritarian regimes. The conversation highlights widespread protests in China against zero-COVID policies and dissent in Iran over women's rights. Fukuyama delves into Russia's military setbacks in Ukraine and reflects on the resilience of liberal democracy amid global challenges. The dialogue unpacks the evolution of political systems and the pressures facing authoritarianism today.
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Clarifying 'The End of History'
- Fukuyama clarifies that "The End of History" refers to the evolution of societal systems, not a cessation of events.
- He argues that liberal democracy, tied to a market economy, is the endpoint of this evolution, lacking any superior alternatives.
Post-2008 Shift
- The 2008 financial crisis marked a turning point, exposing vulnerabilities in liberal democracies and fueling populism.
- Deregulation, inequality, and outsourcing contributed to this shift, creating fertile ground for populist leaders.
One-Man Rule Vulnerability
- Authoritarian systems, lacking checks and balances, are prone to critical errors by individual leaders.
- Xi Jinping's consolidation of power in China exemplifies this, particularly with the zero-COVID policy.
