"What we may be witnessing is not just the end of the Cold War, or the passing of a particular period of post-war history, but the end of history as such: that is, the end point of mankind's ideological evolution and the universalization of Western liberal democracy as the final form of human government."
So wrote Francis Fukuyama in his book The End of History and the Last Man. Although the book was written in 1992 about the demise of socialism it could be argued that the events of the past fifteen months, including the toppling of autocracies through last year’s Arab Spring (Summer, Autumn, Winter and subsequent Spring), have served to underline the transcendence of democratic ideals.
The exception, of course, is China. Whilst apparently embracing capitalism, and announcing economic reforms at this month’s National People's Congress, the regime remains unimpressed by Western liberal democracy.
At the same time, even some absolute monarchies continue to exercise their clout in ways which overshadow our government. Witness the impact of the Saudi oil minister, Ali Naimi, as he took the heat out of global energy markets with his clear and measured statement:
“The bottom line is that Saudi Arabia would like to see a lower price. It would like to see a fair and reasonable price that will not hurt the global economic recovery, especially in emerging and developing countries, that will generate a good return for producing nations, and that will attract greater investment in the oil industry.”
In stark contrast, the UK Cabinet Secretary, Francis Maude advised drivers to store petrol in a jerry can in their garage, only for an unsympathetic Fire Brigades Union (FBU), to warn that to do so risks breaking the law or causing explosions.
The prime minister, a figurehead of democracy for the commonwealth, was predictably trying to downplay accusations of class war stemming from changes to VAT rates on hot food. He fondly recalled a Cornish pasty he’d enjoyed at Leeds station (from a branch of the West Cornwall Pasty Company which had predictably ceased trading some five years ago) – “I’ve got a feeling I opted for the large one and very good it was too.” Well they are if you can afford them!
It was left to our reforming opposition to rescue the dignity of British politics. Which Eds Milliband and Balls did by buying eight sausage rolls for £4.70 from Greggs bakers in Redditch – that’ll show ‘em.
Thankfully even while our politicians maybe having an off-day, we can enjoy the revival of the new, classier, free British press. The Telegraph features an as-it-happened timeline “pasty tax live” of politicians posing with pastry items, the Daily Mail chronicles the decline of pasty retail in Leeds (“Leeds appears to be a graveyard for specialist Pasty shops”) while the Sun offers readers a free sausage roll (hot or cold).
Only the Daily Star manages to focus on the real issue of the day.
All of which serves to underline a simple point: Great Britain’s greatest contribution to the world may, afterall, be the humble Cornish pasty, and not Western liberal democracy!
