Odd Lots · Thursday, September 17, 2026
Francis Fukuyama acknowledges China's current success as an authoritarian model, citing its technological advancement, social stability, and GDP growth. However, he questions the long-term sustainability of its economic model, particularly regarding its export-driven high-tech strategy and property sector issues, and predicts that the desire for political participation among an educated populace may eventually challenge the regime.
“I've been saying this for several decades, that the only alternative society that is not a liberal democracy that looks like a plausible competitor is China, because they are able to stay at the frontier of technology, they've maintained social stability, and they certainly have great GDP growth numbers.”
“So the question is, is that going to be a sustainable model going forward? And I don't think the answer is fully in.”
“The political model has done better than I would have expected. The idea is as you get richer, better educated, you're not content simply to be a passive subject. You actually want to participate. You want to be able to express your opinion. And you can't do that in China.”