Decoding Geopolitics Podcast with Dominik Presl

#92 Francis Fukuyama: Why the “End of History” Never Happened - And Why Global Order Is Breaking Down

10 snips
Nov 15, 2025
In this thought-provoking discussion, Francis Fukuyama, a renowned political scientist from Stanford, revisits his influential work on the 'End of History.' He explains common misconceptions and discusses why history seems to be reversing, highlighting democratic backsliding and the rise of populism. Fukuyama connects this trend to the unexpected impact of social media on shared facts and democracy's fragile state. He provides insights on the challenges facing liberal democracy today and why he still believes in its endurance.
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INSIGHT

End Of History Means A Destination, Not Stagnation

  • Fukuyama reframes "end of history" as Hegel's idea about where modernization leads, not a stop to events.
  • He argued the most modern societies tend toward liberal democracy and market economies rather than Marxist communism.
INSIGHT

Prosperity Can Drive Political Discontent

  • Fukuyama invoked Nietzsche's "Last Man" to warn that peace and prosperity may leave people unfulfilled.
  • He predicted such dissatisfaction could fuel instability and democratic backsliding.
ANECDOTE

Trump's Rise Shocked Fukuyama

  • Fukuyama says Trump's election and re-election surprised him and disappointed his expectations for American commitment to liberal democracy.
  • He views Trump's rise as evidence of democratic fragility in a wealthy stable society.
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