![]() ![]() The ensuing two decades, roughly 1990-2010, were initially marked by the spread of markets and democratization in much of the developing world, including in the formerly Soviet-controlled Eastern Europe. had a “unipolar” moment to reshape the world order. In the immediate aftermath of the Cold War, it seemed that the U.S. ![]() It defeated the Soviet Union’s political totalitarianism, economic central planning and social egalitarian pretensions because the logic of the market, capital, liberty and democracy was ultimately too powerful.ĭemocratization was making headway and market capitalism becoming the dominant paradigm for economic growth. Francis Fukuyama’s landmark article in 1989, and his book by the same name three years later, reflected what many thought was taking place: somehow, the dialectical history of ideas about organizing societies and economies had reached a denouement.Īt the time, it seemed Western liberal democracy and market capitalism had indeed triumphed as the best and most self-sustaining system of government, social arrangement and economic management in history. When the Soviet Union collapsed, it was argued that history as we knew it had come to an end. Its conclusion will depend on how China exercises its emerging power, and how the U.S.-led alliance system responds. While the Soviet Union put up (and lost) the first ideological fight, China as its logical successor, and Russia as its residual state, are now engaged in a second round. ![]() This continuing struggle now pits the United States-led, Western alliance system against a China-centric global network of nations, including Russia, that display shades of authoritarian governance. Contrary to proponents of the “end of history” thesis, the ideological struggle of the 20th century between what used to be called the “free world” versus “the Marxist-Leninist” camp is ongoing, despite the conclusion of the Cold War. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is the latest and most potent indication that history is back, and with a vengeance. The West’s response could intensify the conflict.China has seized on the shortcomings of liberal democracy. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |