A rising global middle class is seen as a primary driver of democracy, as they tend to demand more institutional accountability and merit-based governance.
Fukuyama argues that a successful modern state requires a delicate balance of three specific institutions:
Fukuyama uses this term to describe a system with so many checks and balances that small interest groups can effectively block—or "veto"—any action that benefits the public good. Political Order and Political Decay: From the I...
Ensuring the government remains responsive to the interests of the whole community, typically through elections. Key Themes and Insights
Humans have a biological "patrimonial" instinct to favor family and friends. Political order requires institutions to suppress this; "decay" occurs when these institutions fail and people revert to using the state for personal or tribal gain. Political Decay and the "Vetocracy" A rising global middle class is seen as
A centralized authority with the "executive capability" to exercise power and provide services effectively.
In the U.S., many administrative issues are resolved in courts rather than by expert bureaucracies. This leads to a slow, costly legal process that further hinders state capacity. Key Themes and Insights Humans have a biological
A once-strong state now suffering from "decay" through legal gridlock and interest group capture.