Francis Fukuyama on coronavirus and the crisis of trust

In 'The End of History and the Last Man', Francis Fukuyama posits that with the ascendancy of Western liberal democracy following the Cold War and the dissolution of the Soviet Union, humanity has reached the end point of its ideological evolution. Fukuyama draws on the philosophies of Hegel and Marx, arguing that history is a linear progression towards liberal democracy, driven by the mechanisms of natural science and the human desire for recognition (thymos). He contends that liberal democracy satisfies every man’s thymotic longing for dignity and recognition, making it the final form of human government. However, Fukuyama clarifies that this does not mean the end of historical events or conflicts, but rather that all future developments will be within the framework of liberal democracy.

In this book, Francis Fukuyama continues his exploration of the formation and decay of political societies, begun in 'The Origins of Political Order'. He examines the development of modern political institutions from the French Revolution to contemporary times, including the impact of industrialization, colonialism, and the rise of global democracy. Fukuyama argues that a well-functioning modern state requires a balance between a strong, efficient state, the rule of law, and democratic accountability. He critiques the current state of American politics, highlighting issues such as 'vetocracy' and the judicialization of political processes, which he believes contribute to political decay. The book also explores case studies from various regions, including Europe, Asia, and Latin America, to illustrate different paths of political development and decay.