Against the Asian Century: The Case of Francis Fukuyama

Abstract: This article uses the American political scientist Francis Fukuyama as a case study to address an important question: Why do so many Asian Americans hold the United States in high regard despite its long record of anti-Asian racism and violence? By analyzing Fukuyama’s writings about Japan, China, and Asian Americans published in the aftermaths of the Vietnam War, the Cold War, the War on Terror, and the COVID-19 pandemic, this article positions him as not only an opponent of those who predict the coming “Asian Century” but also a proponent of the “American Century.” Even though Fukuyama’s worldview clashes with that of Asian American studies scholars, the article raises the possibility that his ideas might resonate with a sizable portion of the Asian American population.