There is one real ism left: Fukuism

Let's call it Fukuism, after the historian and author Francis Fukuyama. This ism contains the idea that the world described by Francis in The End of History is our global destiny and that any and all measures should be taken to accelerate its arrival. Friedman is a great example of a Fukuist. Here's a couple of examples from his latest column:

First, a belief in big bangs (induced system instability to produce the acceleration of Fukuism):

Yes, I believe it was and remains hugely important to try to partner with Iraqis to create one good example in the heart of the Arab world of a decent, progressive state, where the politics of fear and tribalism do not reign (NOTE: he left out the invasion...) — the politics that has produced all the pathologies of unemployment, religious intolerance and repression that make the Middle East so dangerous to itself and others.

Second, a belief that getting major states together in grand coalitions can solve all ills (regardless of how intractable they are):

I think we need to try a last-ditch Bosnia-like peace conference that would bring together all of Iraq’s factions and neighbors. Just as Bosnia could be solved only by an international peace force and the Dayton conference.. the civil war in Iraq can be quelled only by a coalition of those most affected by Iraq’s implosion: the U.S., Russia, Europe, Japan, India, China, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iran, Syria and Jordan.

And finally, the abiding belief that more wars need to be fought through these grand coalitions:

Finally, the war in Iraq has so divided us at home and abroad that leaving, while bringing other problems, might also make it easier to build coalitions to deal with post-U.S. Iraq, Iran, Hezbollah and Syria. All these problems are connected. We need to deal with Iran and Syria, but from a position of strength — and that requires a broad coalition.

;->

Comments

[dan]

So Friedman is proposing a grand coalition involving Iran and Syria to deal with the Iraq problem, whilst simultaneously proposing another grand coalition to deal with aforementioned coalition partners Iran and Syria. Friedman's logic, to quote a famous fictional California airhead, does not resemble our earth logic.

[John Robb]

Classic Fukuism. LOL.

[a z]

Does Friedman explain why a destiny needs to be hurried by all means possible as soon as possible?

Why doesn't Friedman read Leary and Anton Wilson? Their visions suggest a historical inevitability as well, but it isn't nearly as violent.

[Anton Vereshchagin]

Speaking off Friedman check out this little tidbit of info.

www.huffingtonpost.com/david-sirota/billionaire-scion-tom-fri_b_26164.html

[John Robb]

LOL. That's hilarious.

[evolvedreason]

John,

Your definition of Fukuism is easily applied and loudly championed by Dr. Thomas Barnett (PNM, BFA). Would you classify him as a Fukuist?

Since you and Dr. Barnett seem to be on blog speaking terms I have a suggestion. Why don't the two of you have a rational and honest discussion, on your respective blogs, defending your different points of view while also showing the limitations in the others.

In my opinion the two of you, as well as your respective audiences, would both benefit greatly from the exchange. As I said to Dr. Barnett in a past correspondence America grows weary of men with microphones. We have come to understand that real leaders listen and respond as well as speak.

[John Robb]

Actually, I was having fun with this term (something about getting up at 4:30 AM and not being able to get back to sleep). I guess nobody else thought it was funny.

Tom and I have debated before online.

[billmon]

What's funny is that even Fukuyama doesn't really believe in Fukuism any more -- certainly not as an actionable foreign policy program.

Give Friedman ten years and he may also figure it out, and then write a book about it:

The World Isn't So Flat After All

[kim]

give friedman ten years and he won't have figured out a thing.
he should be removed from the editorial pages and put in his own special comics section.
and, if this posts, thanks, john, for lightening up the verification.

[evolvedreason]

"Actually, I was having fun with this term (something about getting up at 4:30 AM and not being able to get back to sleep). I guess nobody else thought it was funny."

John,

If I didn't know better, and I do, I would say that your response to my question is evasive. It would seem that your verbal saber can instantly turn into a rubber ducky when its point is applied to a potential benefactor.

[Shloky]

Hmm, and here I thought the ";->" gave it away.

Evolved - How are you pronouncing fukuism?

;->