#160 — The Revenge of History

In this book, Francis Fukuyama posits that human history is moving towards a state of idealized harmony through the mechanisms of liberal democracy. He argues that liberal democracy is the final form of human government, driven by two powerful forces: the logic of modern science and the struggle for recognition. Fukuyama draws on the philosophical ideas of Hegel and Kojeve, suggesting that liberal democracy meets the economic and psychological needs of humanity, including the desire for recognition and dignity. The book explores the implications of this thesis, including the potential paradox that the satisfaction of basic needs might lead to a lack of outlets for human striving and recognition.

This book delves into the evolution of ISIS from a nearly defeated Iraqi insurgent group to a global jihadi army. The authors, Michael Weiss and Hassan Hassan, explore the Islamic State’s recruitment and training methods, their military successes and failures, and how they structure and empower home-grown cells worldwide. The book also examines the internecine struggles within the movement and ISIS’s sectarian hatred, particularly towards Shiite Muslims. It draws on original interviews with various stakeholders, including former US military officials, current ISIS fighters, a former ISIS spy, and survivors of ISIS’s assault on northern Iraq.

In 'The Age of Responsibility', Yascha Mounk explores the intellectual history of personal responsibility since World War II, arguing that a punitive framework has become dominant in policy and social discourse. He proposes a positive conception of responsibility that balances individual accountability with societal values and welfare needs. The book challenges both conservative and liberal views on personal responsibility and its role in shaping social welfare policies.

In *The People vs. Democracy*, Yascha Mounk examines the rise of authoritarian populism and the breakdown of liberal democracy. He argues that two core components of liberal democracy—individual rights and the popular will—are increasingly at odds, leading to systems of 'rights without democracy' and 'democracy without rights. ' Mounk identifies key drivers of this crisis, including economic stagnation, fear of multiethnic democracy, and the impact of social media.

In 'Stranger in My Own Country', Yascha Mounk delves into the intricate dynamics of Jewish identity in modern Germany, reflecting on his own experiences as a Jew born and raised in a country grappling with its past. The book examines the coexistence of anti-Semitism and philo-Semitism in Germany, highlighting the challenges faced by Jewish communities amidst a backdrop of historical guilt and emerging nationalism.