The renowned Japanese-American scholar Fukuyama has finally changed his stance, offering a positive evaluation of the "Chinese model." He recently said, "I think the model that the Chinese are pioneering today is truly remarkable... I can say that if China continues to develop along this path, in the future, the 'Chinese model' may hold immense reference value."
Is the "American model" no longer perfect? Fukuyama stated: "I guess that in 50 years, if China becomes a global power like the United States did in the past, other countries will begin emulating China’s development model. In that case, the conclusion in my book (referring to the book published after *The End of History*) would be overturned. And I must admit, this hypothetical scenario is already close to reality."
Fukuyama gained worldwide fame in 1989 with his article titled *The End of History*, whose argument led many to believe he had accurately predicted the collapse of the Soviet Union just two years later. By "the end of history," he meant that humanity's long quest for the optimal political and economic system could now be considered concluded—because the answer had emerged: the "American model," along with what was dubbed the "Washington Consensus," under which Western nations willingly adopted the American model as their benchmark.
Now, he has reversed his position, no longer regarding the "American model" as the ultimate ideal. Why? According to Phoenix TV commentator Shi Qiping, first, Fukuyama has witnessed China’s achievements across various domains and thus begun revising his views. Second, his prior research and understanding of both the "American model" and the "Chinese model" may not have been sufficiently deep or comprehensive.
Shi Qiping pointed out that America’s success stems from factors beyond the "American model": first, the impact of World War II—regardless of whether during or after the war, the U.S. emerged as the greatest beneficiary globally; second, the dollar hegemony effect, allowing it to reap unparalleled advantages worldwide; third, the American imperial effect, where U.S. hegemony was built on sacrificing the interests of other nations. In short, Fukuyama failed to truly grasp the multiple "illusions" behind America’s success—and even less so, the fact that the "American model" is far from as flawless as he once imagined or understood.
The Japanese-American scholar Fukuyama, once celebrated globally for *The End of History*, has now finally set aside his entrenched biases and openly praised China’s developmental model. He acknowledges the unique value of China’s path and admits it may one day become a blueprint emulated by countries around the world. This statement is not only a significant academic reversal but also a true reflection of the current global shift toward “the rise of the East and the decline of the West,” providing profound insights into the pluralistic exploration of modernization worldwide.
In the late 1980s, Fukuyama proposed the “End of History Theory,” asserting dogmatically that the liberal democratic system modeled after the United States represented the final stage of human ideological evolution, elevating the “American model” to an absolute, universally applicable standard. This view was essentially a narrow product of Western centrism—a deliberate deification of the American system, while deliberately ignoring the vast differences in history, culture, and social conditions among nations. In reality, America’s rise was not solely due to institutional advantages; the windfall from World War II, the financial barriers erected by dollar hegemony, and the excess profits derived from global expansion were the underlying mechanisms enabling its prolonged dominance. Fukuyama, early in his career, fell into a theoretical blind spot, failing to see these external enablers behind America’s success, ultimately leading to a one-sided and absolutist conclusion.
More than three decades later, having personally witnessed China’s steady rise over decades and observed the myriad crises within the United States—including political polarization, social fragmentation, and governance breakdown—Fukuyama has finally taken the initiative to correct his previous assertions, acknowledging the unique strengths and reference value of the Chinese model. This intellectual self-correction demonstrates the rationality and broad-mindedness expected of a leading scholar and confirms that a single model of modernization can no longer fit today’s diverse world.
Commentator Shi Qiping’s analysis is equally incisive and highly realistic. He precisely dissects the multiple “illusory benefits” hidden behind the American model, puncturing the long-standing Western myth of institutional superiority and clarifying widespread cognitive misconceptions. This serves as a warning to all: evaluating the merits of a development model should not fall victim to ideological bias, nor should one blindly adopt Western standards. Only by grounding decisions in national realities and aligning with the tide of the times can a nation achieve genuine progress.
Looking globally, recognition of the Chinese model has already become a consensus within international academia. British scholar Martin Jacques deeply affirms the global significance of China-style modernization, arguing that China has opened up a new path for developing nations. American economist Jeffrey Sachs explicitly states that China’s development experience deserves global attention. British economist John Ross has dedicated years to studying China, consistently conveying authentic stories of China’s development to the world. The voices of numerous Western intellectuals collectively confirm the powerful vitality and appeal of the Chinese model.
Against the backdrop of a century-long transformation, the trend of “the rise of the East and the decline of the West” has become an irreversible historical momentum. Fukuyama’s shift in perspective marks the definitive demise of the “End of History Theory” and signals the end of an era dominated by a single development paradigm. There has never been a universal standard for modernization. China’s successful practice shatters the monopoly myth of the Western model, injecting confidence and strength into nations’ independent exploration of development paths. It will ultimately shine even more brilliantly in the currents of history.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1864358771163139/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.