The Rise of China and the
Challenge to Liberal Democracy
Rethinking Fukuyama's 'End of History'
Areeba Saleem
[Link]. Program, Department of History
University of Karachi
Under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Humera Naz
Introduction
• • Fukuyama's 'End of History' (1992) posits
liberal democracy as the endpoint of societal
evolution.
• • China's rise as a global economic and
geopolitical power challenges this theory.
• • Objectives:
• - Analyze China's model of authoritarian
capitalism.
• - Examine its implications for liberal
democracy and global governance.
Research Questions
• 1. How does China's rise as an economic and
geopolitical power challenge Fukuyama's
theory?
• 2. How does China's model of authoritarian
capitalism offer a viable alternative to liberal
democracy?
• 3. What implications does this have for global
governance?
Research Methodology
• • Qualitative, interdisciplinary approach.
• • Draws from history, political science,
economics, and international relations.
• • In-depth review of:
• - China's historical trajectory.
• - Economic reforms under Deng Xiaoping.
• - Global political theories and criticisms of
Fukuyama's thesis.
China's Economic Rise
• • Economic Reforms:
• - Deng Xiaoping's market reforms (1978).
• - Privatization, trade liberalization, and
industrialization.
• • Belt and Road Initiative (BRI):
• - Infrastructure investments in Asia, Africa,
and Europe.
• • Impact:
• - Transition from agrarian to industrial
China's Political Evolution
• • One-party rule under the Chinese
Communist Party (CCP) since 1949.
• • Xi Jinping's leadership:
• - Removal of presidential term limits.
• - Anti-corruption campaigns consolidating
power.
• • Authoritarian capitalism:
• - Blends market-driven growth with strict
political control.
Challenges to Liberal Democracy
• • China's model challenges the Western
paradigm of democracy.
• • Economic growth without political
liberalization.
• • Raises questions on governance and
economic success:
• - Is political freedom necessary for
development?
• - Can authoritarian capitalism coexist with
global democracy?
China's Geopolitical Influence
• • Military advancements:
• - Increased defense budgets and
technological progress.
• • South China Sea disputes:
• - Territorial claims and artificial islands.
• • Global diplomacy:
• - Active role in WTO, UN, and creation of
AIIB.
• - Challenges to Western-led frameworks.
Implications for Global Governance
• • Decline of liberal democracy?
• - Rise of populism and authoritarian regimes.
• • Multipolar world:
• - Coexistence of diverse governance models.
• - Challenges to Fukuyama's unipolar vision of
democracy.
Conclusion
• • China's rise questions the inevitability of
liberal democracy.
• • Authoritarian capitalism provides an
alternative governance model.
• • The future may see a complex, multipolar
world with competing ideologies.
References (1/2)
• • Fukuyama, F. (1992). 'The End of History and
the Last Man.'
• • Rodrik, D. (2011). 'The Globalization
Paradox.'
• • Zakaria, F. (2003). 'The Future of Freedom.'
• • Mearsheimer, J. J. (2014). 'The Tragedy of
Great Power Politics.'
References (2/2)
• • Huntington, S. P. (1996). 'The Clash of
Civilizations.'
• • Breslin, S. (2013). 'China and the Global
Political Economy.'
• • National Bureau of Asian Research (2020).
'China's Vision for a New World Order.'
