The article “The Future of History: Can Liberal Democracy Survive the Decline of the Middle Class?” by Francis Fukuyama addresses such urgent theme as saving the middle class social layer as a fundament of democracy, safety and stability in the world. In his article, Fukuyama explains that during the last few decades, some strange phenomenon in the world economy based on an uncontrollable capitalism is getting more and more destructive for the middle class. The value of this article can be hardly underestimated as it strives to preserve the very foundation of peace and security in the world which is seen in the democratic society values guaranteed by the existence of middle class social layer.
Discussing the argument provided by Fukuyama in his article, it should be stated that it is very convincing and thought-provoking. He begins his article relating the events of last three decades which led to a gradual destruction of the middle class social layer. Then, the author shifts to explaining the importance of the existence of a strong and abundantly represented in the society middle class layer as it is a foundation for all the democratic values in the world including human rights and freedoms, and triumph of justice and peace among the nations of the world. Next, through a deep pondering to the history of democracy and liberalism along with other ideologies prevailing in the world during different periods of human history, Fukuyama manages to perceives the audience that humanity has never been so prosperous before as it has happened during the triumph of democratic values in the world. In such a way, the author explains that unless people make some urgent and deep changes in the economic and financial system, the global balance will be shaken.
The main themes of the article are centered around the need to implement urgent and profound measures in order to save the middle class social layer as a guaranty of democracy and liberalism in the world. The author pays a lot of his attention to the sad consequences of the current politics of uncontrolled capitalism for humanity which promotes the interests of a tiny group of individuals in the world which makes the rest of the planet’s population miserable slaves. He mentions real examples from a modern-day history when the forms of society formation different to democracy led to a disaster. Among such examples are the countries of the Middle East where totalitarianism based on theocracy led to a wave of cruel revolutions resulting into numerous casualties and miseries for all the people of the land including those who had the authority and material prosperity. This illustration is a very important lesson for politicians and the other men of authority as it is everybody’s interest to prevent social disaster in the world.
On the whole, the article The Future of History: Can Liberal Democracy Survive the Decline of the Middle Class?” by Francis Fukuyama is concentrated around the ides of democracy and liberalism. It strives to prove that they are the only option for the humanity helping to guarantee peace and prosperity for people of the planet. Fukuyama explains that the current state of affairs which causes destruction of the middle class is a way to global collapse. The author’s main purpose seems to prevent a global disaster which is so close nowadays.
Works Cited
Fukuyama, Francis. “The Future of History: Can Liberal Democracy Survive the Decline of the Middle Class?” Foreign Affairs, vol. 91, no. 1, Council on Foreign Relations, 2012, pp. 53–61.