Over three decades ago, Francis Fukuyama published his famous End of History and the Last Man, in which he declared that history (or rather, “History”), meaning an unfolding process of clashing ideas, was winding down and predicted a future of increasing peace and comfort if not excitement.
Though I disagree in important places, for instance I did think Fukuyama discussed "the possibility that we would simply deny the constricted horizons of modern liberalism and insist that great conflicts were still playing out" (how else were those new wars for recognition going to play out?), much of this is well-said on an important theme, correcting more mistakes than it introduces.
Tony Judt wrote a book Postwar in much the same vein as Fukuyama which was very sanguine about the eternal peace and prosperity sure to be enjoyed by all after the fall of communism.
Though I disagree in important places, for instance I did think Fukuyama discussed "the possibility that we would simply deny the constricted horizons of modern liberalism and insist that great conflicts were still playing out" (how else were those new wars for recognition going to play out?), much of this is well-said on an important theme, correcting more mistakes than it introduces.
Tony Judt wrote a book Postwar in much the same vein as Fukuyama which was very sanguine about the eternal peace and prosperity sure to be enjoyed by all after the fall of communism.
I need to revisit Postwar.