Dimensions of Development - Francis Fukuyama

Summary

In this GEM conference speech, Francis Fukuyama discusses the multifaceted nature of development, emphasizing its complexity due to the interplay of economic, social, and political factors. He introduces a framework with six key dimensions: economic growth, social mobilization, the state, rule of law, democratic accountability, and legitimacy. Fukuyama challenges the modernization theory, highlighting contradictions such as the tension between a strong state and the rule of law, and the unpredictable link between democracy and good governance. He underscores the importance of national identity for state building, using examples like South Korea's successful development and the challenges faced by countries lacking a cohesive national identity, such as Syria. Fukuyama concludes by emphasizing the intricate relationships between these dimensions and the need for nuanced understanding to foster political order and development.

Takeaways

• 📊 Development is a multifaceted process with economic, social, and political dimensions that interact in complex ways.
• 🌐 Economic growth is just one aspect of development, focusing on increases in per capita output over time.
• 👥 Social mobilization involves the development of social groups and new social relations, leading to a collective consciousness within these groups.
• 🏛️ The state is about power and its accumulation, with Max Weber defining it as having a legitimate monopoly of force over territory.
• 📜 The rule of law is distinct from rule by law, where even the rulers are subject to the law, limiting their power.
• 🗳️ Democratic accountability ensures that the ruler's actions reflect the population's wishes, not just the elite.
• 🔄 Development can occur independently within each dimension, but modernization theory suggests they can mutually support each other.
• 🇰🇷 South Korea exemplifies modernization theory, where economic growth led to social mobilization and eventually democracy and the rule of law.
• 🚫 Contradictions can arise between strong states and the rule of law, and between democracy and good governance, complicating development.
• 🌐 National identity is critical for state formation and social cohesion, with some countries lacking a unifying national identity leading to conflict and instability.
• 🌐 The creation of national identity is influenced by both cultural expressions from the bottom up and nation-building efforts from the top down.

Q & A

What is the main theme of Francis Fukuyama's speech at the GEM conference?

The main theme of Francis Fukuyama's speech is the complexity of development, focusing on how economic, social, and political factors interact in the development process.

According to Fukuyama, what are the six dimensions of development?

The six dimensions of development Fukuyama mentions are economic growth, social mobilization, the state, the rule of law, democratic accountability, and legitimacy.

How does Fukuyama define 'economic growth' in the context of development?

Economic growth, as defined by Fukuyama, refers to increases in per capita output over time, which is typically the focus of economists.

What is social mobilization and how does it relate to development?

Social mobilization involves the development of social groups and new kinds of social relations, such as when a social group becomes conscious of itself, which is a critical aspect of development.

What is the role of the state in development according to Fukuyama?

The state, in Fukuyama's framework, is about the accumulation and use of power to enforce laws, protect the community, and maintain domestic order, which is essential for development.

How does the rule of law differ from rule by law in Fukuyama's explanation?

The rule of law exists when the ruler is under the law and must follow the same rules as everyone else, whereas rule by law is where the ruler simply gives commands that people have to obey without being bound by law.

What does Fukuyama mean by democratic accountability and its importance in development?

Democratic accountability refers to procedural rules that ensure the ruler's actions reflect the population's wishes and not just the elite. It is crucial for development as it provides a check on power.

How does Fukuyama view the relationship between economic growth and other dimensions of development?

Fukuyama suggests that economic growth can occur independently or in connection with other dimensions of development, but it does not automatically lead to social modernization or democracy without a balance of power and constraints.

What is the contradiction Fukuyama identifies between a strong state and the rule of law?

Fukuyama identifies a contradiction where a strong state can sometimes violate human rights or act without restraint in the name of security, thus undermining the rule of law, which is meant to limit power.

How does Fukuyama explain the tension between democracy and good governance?

Fukuyama explains that while democracy is often seen as leading to good governance, there are cases where increased political participation has actually reduced the quality of government, such as during the spoils system in 19th century America.

What role does national identity play in development according to Fukuyama?

National identity plays a critical role in development as it provides a sense of belonging and commonality among citizens, which can facilitate social cohesion, state formation, and the legitimacy of institutions.

How does Fukuyama suggest that national identity can be built or reinforced?

Fukuyama suggests that national identity can be built or reinforced through both bottom-up cultural expressions, like literature and music, and top-down policies, such as promoting a national language and ideology.