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Political Order and Political Decay summary
From the Industrial Revolution to the Globalization of Democracy
14 mins
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Political Order and Political Decay by Francis Fukuyama argues that stable political institutions are crucial for the development of democracy and economic growth. He explores the challenges of maintaining these institutions and how political decay can occur when they fail.
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Political Order and Political Decay
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Democracy is the cornerstone of American politics.
The word democracy often gets thrown around, whether in political discussions, philosophical debates or cultural criticisms. It’s also the central theme of these blinks, so let's put the concept of democracy into context before going any further.
Simply put, democracy is a government for the people, by the people. In 1789, the US Constitution brought together democratic ideals of equality and fair representation in a radical way.
Unfortunately, the values embedded in the Constitution were ignored for much of the country’s early history, and the United States had a weak and deeply corrupt political system right up until the nineteenth century. Goods and services were bought and sold in exchange for political alliances and, unsurprisingly, it was the rich and influential who wielded the most political power.
But toward the end of the nineteenth century, things began to change; the American federal government began to transform. By the mid-twentieth century, it had become an independent, effective and value-driven political actor.
This transformation began with the Progressive movement, led by politicians such as Theodore Roosevelt, who broke up big business conglomerates. This work was pushed along by the politics of the New Deal, which provided US citizens with healthcare and a general pension.
Industrialization had also altered traditional social structures and was a driving force behind social changes. From African-Americans to suffragettes, a host of newly empowered political actors began to shake up the old and corrupt system.
By 1989, it looked like democracy was on top. The author, in his seminal text The End of History, argued that the fall of Communism marked democracy’s triumph, and its global expansion was the inevitable path that the future would take.
In fact, the number of democracies across the globe increased to nearly 120 in 2010 from just 35 in 1970; that’s around 60 percent of the world’s countries. But as democracy spread, it encountered its fair share of challenges along the way – and this is even true of democracy in the United States. But before we dig deeper into these issues, let’s learn about what makes a democracy work.
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What is Political Order and Political Decay about?
Political Order and Political Decay (2014) contrasts the history of democracy in America with its current condition to reveal the fundamental flaws of our modern democracy. From a declining middle class to selfish lobbyists and unadaptable institutions, these blinks explain just a few sources of political decay in the United States.
Political Order and Political Decay Review
Political Order and Political Decay (2014) is a thought-provoking exploration of the challenges that societies face in establishing and maintaining effective political systems. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- By delving into the concepts of political institutions, corruption, and state-building, it provides a comprehensive understanding of how societies evolve and thrive.
- Backed by extensive research and historical examples, the book offers valuable insights into the complexities of governance, shedding light on current political issues around the world.
- With its engaging narrative and perceptive analysis, it presents complex ideas in a digestible manner, ensuring that readers are captivated throughout their journey.
Best quote from Political Order and Political Decay
No bourgeois, no democracy. - Barrington Moore Jr., Harvard University theorist
—Francis Fukuyama
Who should read Political Order and Political Decay?
- Anyone curious as to how the American political system has developed over time
- American voters interested in the underlying problems with their government
- Political science students seeking an introduction to the more complex aspects of democracies
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Political Order and Political Decay FAQs
What is the main message of Political Order and Political Decay?
The main message of Political Order and Political Decay is the importance of understanding the institutions and processes that shape political systems.
How long does it take to read Political Order and Political Decay?
The reading time for Political Order and Political Decay varies depending on the reader's speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Political Order and Political Decay a good book? Is it worth reading?
Political Order and Political Decay is worth reading as it provides valuable insights into the complexities of political systems and their impact on societies.
Who is the author of Political Order and Political Decay?
Francis Fukuyama is the author of Political Order and Political Decay.
What to read after Political Order and Political Decay?
If you're wondering what to read next after Political Order and Political Decay, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Identity by Francis Fukuyama
- Understanding Power by Noam Chomsky
- Making Sense by Sam Harris
- World Order by Henry Kissinger
- Building a Second Brain by Tiago Forte
- The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith
- Populism by Cas Mudde and Cristóbal Rovira Kaltwasser
- How Democracies Die by Steven Levitsky
- Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
- The Narrow Corridor by Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson