Political Order
Political Order
Dr Francis Fukuyama
18 February 2014
5.00pm - 6.30pm
SMU Mochtar Riady Auditorium
Singapore
Political order rests on a delicate equilibrium involving three distinct sets of institutions. First, the state wields and concentrates power, shaping the course of governance. Second, the rule of law acts as a restraint, imposing limits on state authority through transparent regulations. Lastly, democratic accountability ensures that governments remain responsive to the broader community's needs.
Dr Francis Fukuyama shared his insights into these multifaceted issues. Drawing inspiration from his book "The Origins of Political Order: From Prehuman Times to the French Revolution", he gave an overview of the emergence of these three institutions across various regions, including China and the Western world. He delved into their historical development and discussed the far-reaching implications of their development on global politics.
-
The balance between the state, the rule of law, and democratic accountability is the foundation of a stable political order.
-
The historical development of these three institutions across different regions provides insight into the diverse paths of political order.
-
Understanding the historical trends of these institutions can inform present-day discussions on governance and democracy.