The Origins of Political Order: From Prehuman Times to the French Revolution Chapter Summary & Analysis - Part IV, Chapter 24-25 Summary

Part IV, Chapter 24-25 Summary and Analysis

Chapter 24 is called "Patrimonialism Crosses the Atlantic." Fukuyama next turns to the unique political history of Latin America. Latin America is unique in the modern world in that individual incomes are relatively high, but economic growth is slow. Also, Latin American countries are predominantly democratic, but have little regard for the rule of law. Corruption and tax evasion are common. Fukuyama traces these political factors back to Spain, which set out to replicate its own largely feudal system when it conquered and settled the peoples of Latin America. The large grants of land awarded under this system were passed down through generations and contribute even today to the large gap between the poor and wealthy people of Latin America.

Chapter 25 is called "East of the Elbe" and looks at Hungary and Russia as two more examples of states that failed to develop accountability. In the case of Hungary...
(read more)