Source: Washington Post
by Francis Fukuyama
“There are in fact two types of realism, a ‘realism of means’ and a ‘realism of ends.’ … In the realism of ends, all states are said to pursue national interest, defined in terms of power and security. They may dress up this drive in the elevated language of democracy or human rights, but ultimately they all seek the same thing: maximization of their power. … I subscribe instead to a realism of means. I believe that liberal values and power shape the United States’ role in the world, while being realistic about both the extent to which the U.S. can prioritize democracy and the means by which such a goal could be achieved.” (09/10/26)