Political Order And Political Decay: From The I... May 2026

Decay happens when institutions fail to adapt to changing social or economic conditions because of "cognitive inertia" or the self-interest of entrenched elites. Summary of Case Studies Role in Fukuyama's Analysis Denmark The "ideal" state where all three pillars are in balance. China

Fukuyama argues that a successful modern state requires a delicate balance of three specific institutions: Political Order and Political Decay: From the I...

A centralized authority with the "executive capability" to exercise power and provide services effectively. Decay happens when institutions fail to adapt to

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. A rising global middle class is seen as

A strong state that lacks the rule of law and democratic accountability.

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.