Book launch: Francis Fukuyama’s “Liberalism and Its Discontents”

On August 22, 2023, Almaty hosted the presentation of the Kazakh and Russian editions of Liberalism and Its Discontents, a book by Francis Fukuyama, a renowned political theorist and professor at Stanford University. Originally published in English in May 2022, the book is now accessible to a wider audience in Kazakhstan.

The book was released in a limited edition, with 500 copies in Kazakh and 1,000 in Russian. Fukuyama’s work examines the challenges liberalism faces in the modern world, arguing that both ends of the political spectrum have stretched its principles to extremes—neoliberals prioritizing economic freedom and progressives centering identity in their political vision. This polarization, he warns, threatens democracy. As a remedy, he advocates for a return to the classical foundations of liberalism.

“Classical liberalism is in crisis—misunderstood and co-opted by illiberal movements under the labels of ‘neoliberalism’ and ‘progressivism.’ This threatens democracy, the rule of law, and individual autonomy. Putin’s Russia further demonstrates how illiberalism endangers international stability. I hope this Kazakh and Russian edition introduces these ideas to new audiences.”

Francis Fukuyama

As Central Asia navigates shifting political landscapes and governance models, Liberalism and Its Discontents offers critical insights into the complexities of liberal democracy. The book challenges common misconceptions and examines the difficulties liberal democracies face, making its translation into Kazakh and Russian a crucial step in fostering a more informed discussion on political systems and governance in the region.

Nargis Kassenova, CAPS Unlock co-founder and Director of the Program on Central Asia at Harvard University’s Davis Center, notes that the region lacks a history of liberal democracy, and the term “liberalism” often carries negative connotations due to anti-Western propaganda. Fukuyama’s book provides an in-depth and unembellished analysis of these challenges, helping readers gain a clearer understanding of liberalism’s true implications.

Recognizing the urgency of Fukuyama’s themes for Kazakhstan, Steppe & World Publishing has translated the book as part of its ongoing efforts to introduce influential political works to the region. According to Raisa Kadir, Director of Steppe & World Publishing, this is the second Fukuyama book the company has translated, with the hope that these discussions will contribute to shaping a more informed and democratic society.

This translation project was led by CAPS Unlock, with financial support from the Open Society Foundations and in partnership with Steppe & World Publishing.

The Kazakh and Russian editions of Liberalism and Its Discontents are available at Meloman bookstores in Almaty, with international orders facilitated through Steppe & World Publishing.