Reflective Essay: Universal History

The development of the world history attracted a lot of researchers giving rise to numerous theories on the historical development and the concept of history at large. In this respect, it is important to lay emphasis on the fact that many researchers viewed history as the process of the linear development of human society in the course of which people and human society evolved and underwent consistent changes respectively to the level of their socioeconomic development. In such a context, it is possible to refer to the concept of universal history. Fukuyamaresearched in depth the concept of history at large and the concept of universal history in particular and arrived to the conclusion that universal history is history understood as a single, coherent, evolutionary process, when taking into account the experience of all peoples in all times (Futuyama, 1992, p.119). To put it in simple words, the universal history is the history of the mankind in its linear development which takes into consideration all historical experience the mankind has accumulated till the current point in history. It proves beyond a doubt that the concept of universal history is core for Futuyama’s views on history and historical development of human society. He stands on the ground that the history has its end, which is liberal democracy, and this concept is impossible without the concept of universal history. Otherwise, it would be impossible to arrive to any end at all, if there was no starting point and stages in the historical development of the mankind. In this respect, it is worth mentioning the fact that Futuyama’s view on history is quite close to those of Hegel and Marx, in regard to the linear development of history and in definition of the concept of universal history.
Futuyama’s arguments in favor of the liberal democracy as the goal of historyReflective Essay
On analyzing the development of the world history, Fukuyamaargues that the world history and the human society move steadily toward the liberal democracy as the ultimate, end point in the development of human history. The scientist develops the idea that the progress of the world history occurs in the direction of the ongoing progress and advancement, when less advanced stages of the development of human society are replaced by new, more up-to-date, advanced, higher stages of development. At the same time, he lays emphasis on the fact that past stages and political and economic systems that existed in human societies in different time and civilizations were imperfect. To put it more precisely, he argues that, while earlier forms of government were characterized by grave defects and irrationalities that led to their eventual collapse, liberal democracy was arguably free from such fundamental internal contradictions (Futuyama, p.142). In such a way, the liberal democracy is the logical and natural end of history because it is the ultimate point toward which the human society is moving on in the course of its historical development. In this respect, Fukuyamaagain maintains ideas developed by Hegel and Marx, who stood on the ground that the world history and human society are moving toward a perfect socioeconomic and political system, such as communism, where people would create the perfect society in which social relations could be balanced and deprived of any conflicts. Therefore, Fukuyamabrings in his own concept of such an ideal, quite utopian society, which can be established along with the formation of the liberal democracy as the best political and socioeconomic system.
At the same time, the author ground s his vision of the liberal democracy as the ideal system on the basis of the detailed analysis of the past and present development of human society, using the historical experience of different societies which reached their peaks of development and which were ruined because of the imperfectness of their socioeconomic and political systems. In fact, Fukuyamabelieves that the past socioeconomic and political systems had substantial deficiencies which prevented them from the long-lasting existence. The deficiencies of different socioeconomic and political systems vary, according to Futuyama, but the main point is that the imperfectness of socioeconomic and political systems led to internal social conflicts and antagonism between certain groups within the society. As a result, political and socioeconomic systems that cannot maintain positive social relations and social order preventing conflict and antagonism between different social groups or classes are doomed to failure. This is why he believes the liberal democracy is the best and most advanced political and socioeconomic system because it implies the execution of human rights, liberties and opportunities for the realization of their internal potential. At the same time, the milestone of the liberal democracy is the liberty of members of society, obedience to existing social norms and rules and opportunity of each member of society to participate in the political life of the society and socially and economically significant processes on the equal ground. In other words, liberal democracy implies certain equality of rights and liberties along with wide participation of people in socioeconomic and political life of the society and their ability to influence socioeconomic policies and political decisions being taken. In such a way, Fukuyamabelieves it will be possible to prevent conflicts within the society and the society will reach the highest point in its development – the liberal democracy, which is the end of history in its linear development.