Political theory shifts from liberal democracy toward a multipolar world

The political landscape is shifting away from the post-Cold War optimism that defined the late 20th century. Francis Fukuyama’s 1989 thesis, ‘The End of History?’, which posited that Western liberal democracy represented the final stage of ideological evolution, is increasingly viewed as a product of its time rather than a permanent global reality.

In contrast to Fukuyama’s vision, Samuel Huntington’s ‘Clash of Civilizations’ theory—predicting conflict along cultural and religious lines—appears more aligned with contemporary trends. The rise of religious and ethnic identities as primary organizing principles for states, seen in Islamist movements and the growth of majoritarian nationalism in India, suggests a move toward a multipolar world. This shift is often accompanied by a drift toward illiberal democracy, where leaders maintain electoral forms while hollowing out democratic substance.

Recent reflections on Fukuyama’s work emphasize that his theories were often misunderstood. His concept of the ‘end’ of history referred to the conclusion of humanity’s ideological evolution rather than the cessation of global events. His recent writings continue to explore the complexities of human nature and the challenges facing modern political orders.