Is Fukuyama Liberalism the 'End of History?' w/ Daniel Bessner | Ep. 156
May 27, 2023
auto_awesome
In this episode, Daniel Bessner explores Francis Fukuyama's 'The End of History and the Last Man', discussing neo-conservatism, liberalism, and the shift from Cold War liberalism to national security liberalism. They also delve into Fukuyama's relationship with the Rand Corporation, limited opportunities in foreign policy, and the problematic side of progressivism. The potential of socialism as the end of history is also examined.
Neoconservatism is an updated version of Cold War liberalism, both promoting American dominance.
Fukuyama's 'The End of History' predicted a convergence towards liberal democratic capitalism, but overlooked challenges and alternatives.
Deep dives
Fukuyama's Background and Career
Francis Fukuyama began his career with a PhD in government from Harvard and worked at institutions like Rand Corporation and State Department. He gained fame with his essay 'The End of History' in which he argued for the triumph of liberal democratic capitalism.
Neoconservatism and Liberal Internationalism
Neoconservatism can be seen as an updated version of Cold War liberalism, emphasizing American primacy and imperialism. Fukuyama's disavowal of neoconservatism does not change the fact that both ideologies ultimately promote American dominance.
Fukuyama's Argument in 'The End of History'
In 'The End of History', Fukuyama argued that there was a convergence towards liberal democratic capitalism as the dominant political and economic system. He believed that the end of the Cold War signaled the triumph of liberalism, although he acknowledged its limitations. Fukuyama saw political and economic liberalization as interconnected and predicted a peaceful future driven by liberal democratic ideals.
Critiques of Fukuyama's Liberalism
While Fukuyama acknowledged the limitations of liberalism, his inability to envision an alternative system beyond liberalism was seen as a weakness. Critics also pointed out that liberalism failed to address growing inequality and the excesses of capitalism. Some argued that Fukuyama's optimism overlooks ideological challenges to liberalism and the absence of a universalistic theory as an alternative.
What makes neoconservatives different from Cold War liberals? Why did Francis Fukuyama's "The End of History and the Last Man" lament the end of the Cold War? What's classical liberalism? And how do liberals like Fukuyama size up our current historical moment? Dr. Daniel Bessner joins the pod for all that and more.