Francis Fukuyama and the end of history

In 1989 (and later in The End of History), Francis Fukuyama argued that the global spread of liberal democracy signaled an end point in humanitys ideological evolutionsuggesting that large-scale political alternatives had lost their appeal and revolutions were obsolete. You will explore Fukuyamas claim using course readings and your own research on revolutions since 2000.

1. Summarize Fukuyama’s argument in one paragraph.

• Identify what he means by history ending (be specificthis is not the claim that events stop happening).
• Include a quote from the Fukuyama reading as evidence.
• Underline the quote.

1. Do some brief internet research to find a political revolution that has occurred since 2000.

• Identify the country where it occurred, what triggered the uprising, the main goals of the participants, and what changed afterwards. Also determine whether the movement aimed at instituting a liberal democracy, or some other form of government (socialism etc).
• Do not choose an event in the United States or a movement that did not at least partially achieve its goals. Please note that some of these revolutions may have been initially successful, but failed over time.
• If you are having trouble identifying a 21st century political revolution, reach out to me for help.
• Include evidence from a credible internet source (see rubric). Underline this evidence.
• Be careful about the sources that you choose in your web search. If you do not use high quality sources you will not receive full credit.
• Also note that more academic sources are worth more points. History.com or other general information sources are fine, but not worth as much.
• Remember Wikipedia is not an acceptable source. Wikipedia can be a good starting point, but you must then verify the information on reliable academic or news websites.
• Websites like “Toptenz or Ranker” are also not reliable sources. They are not written by academics or journalists. Their lists were written by freelance writers who were paid $50 per list. Here are the credentials of the author of the “Top 10 Most Notable Revolutions:”
• Include a citation for your outside research.
• You will also need a works cited with complete publication information for your outside research.
• Do not just include a hyperlink. Papers without citations will not be graded. Papers without a works cited/bibliography won’t be graded. They will be returned to you for revision. They may be resubmitted but will be considered late.
• Sample citations:
• For the bibliography: Author last name, first name. Web Page Title. Website Name. Month Day, Year. URL.
• For the in-text citation: (Author last name, Date).

1. Consider whether you agree or disagree with Francis Fukuyama’s original argument based on your findings. Is liberal democracy triumphant?

• In answering this question make use of his original essay, as well as at least one of the follow up articles/interviews, AND your research. Think about how your case study of revolution applies to his theory. (SEE BELOW FOR THE READINGS)
• Refer to both articles explicitly. Use short quotes.
• If you are unsure, review the definition of liberal democracy found here:
• Underline your evidence.
• Include citations. Citations must include page numbers or timestamp. Without citations, papers will be returned to you for revision. They may be resubmitted, but will be considered late.