Fukuyama’s belief that Western forms of government and political
economy are the ultimate destination which the entire human race will
eventually reach poses a number of challenges for orthodoxy within
International Relations. First, his claim that political and economic
development terminates at liberal-capitalist democracy assumes that the
Western path to modernity no longer faces a challenge of the kind posed
by communism, and will eventually command global consent. Secondly,
Fukuyama’s argument assumes that national and cultural distinctions
are no barrier to the triumph of liberal democracy and capitalism, which
face little if any serious resistance. Thirdly, Fukuyama’s thesis raises
vital questions about governance and political community. What are
the implications of globalization for nation-states and their sovereign
powers?