The Clash of Civilizations and the End of History

Francis Fukuyama’s and Samuel Huntington’s theories of the end of history and the clash of civilizations are two of the most widely discussed perspectives in recent international political thought. They are also frequently regarded as being seriously at variance with each other, but while there is much truth in this claim, the relationship between both the theorists and the theories is more complex than is often assumed. The first part of this chapter outlines the key elements in the two theories, drawing out the contrasts between them, but also discussing the way in which Fukuyama’s later refinements of the concept of ‘the end of history’ has been significantly influenced by ideas drawn from Huntington’s writings. The second part of the chapter explores the ways in which the two theories address several current problems in international political thought and practice, focusing on populism, nationalism, identity and democracy.