6 - THE WEST OF ALL POSSIBLE WORLDS

Summary

it is inappropriate to describe what is happening in terms of traditional Western categories.

(Barbara Einhorn)

The internal disintegration of the Communist world and the ensuing fragmentation of the Soviet Union into constituent republics come as confirmation to some that they, or “we,” have triumphed. These developments, which a decade ago one could only have fantasized about, and which no one would have thought could happen so precipitously, have lent new-found credence to the view proclaiming “the West of all possible worlds.” This is the argument of those seeking to sustain, or revive, the Enlightenment project of a universalistic triumph of growth, progress, and modernization. Fukuyama's paean about the end of history is perhaps the clearest expression of a sentiment that has taken pride in its having defeated the Communist world and reduced it to ideological and geopolitical rubble. It is reflected, as well, in the internationalist aspirations of those who would destroy all foreign vestiges of protectionism and establish transnational regimes of free trade in their stead. Elements of it are at play, though perhaps with a touch of duplicity, when invoking the seeming inexorable march of democracy throughout the world.