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Root does not give policy answers but rather challenges . He concludes that the evolutionary complexity theory outlined in the book will enable global thinkers to :
rewrite the narrative of globalization and map the path to future sources of global prosperity . It provides the widest base for the creation of common knowledge about global change processes . Complexity is the analytical foundation that can integrate diverse cultures into a shared conception of the global future . It is the appropriate analytical vehicle to convey common knowledge about the human experience in beliefs , and technologies of agents of diverse origins . It reveals how globalization weaves together economies , cultures and polities of all levels of development in shared networks of competition and symbiosis . And it offers a framework that validates both Western and non-Western experiences . It can lead developing and developed countries to find common cause in shaping and accelerating global development . ( p . ���� )
One can but hope .
Speculation on Current Events
It is important to consider the application
of Root ’ s framework to current events .
For example , could the obvious mismanagement of the events in Ukraine by the West , in the form of the EU and US responses to both the uprising and subsequent annexation of Crimea by Russia , be laid at the door of modernisation theory ? During the Kiev uprising both the EU and US seemed to offer support , perhaps assuming what they were seeing was a call for Western Liberal democracy ( all those EU flags ). The EU ’ s
Baroness Ashton and the US ’ s John McCain were dispatched to hand out cakes and make speeches respectively . Yet subsequent developments show starkly that historical and geo-political aspects were far more complex than this . The EU and US interventions only served to raise tensions ( even between the EU and US ). And the outcome has strengthened Russia .
As I sit here in Szeged , Hungary , a general election is happening with all bets on the Fidesz party , led by Viktor Orban , to retain power with ease . Yet despite Hungarian membership of the EU , Orban campaigns in a distinctly oppositional way claiming he will not allow outside forces to impose leftist and liberal conceptions of democracy on a proud and unique Hungarian culture . Populism aside , he ’ s surely onto something : Hungary ’ s unique historical path cannot be ignored by supranational bodies that wish to impose a modernising template developed elsewhere .
In a similar vein , who anticipated the rise of the UK Independence party in the UK , a party with the explicit goal of facilitating an immediate UK exit from the EU ? Nigel Farage , the leader of UKIP , constantly refers to Britain ’ s unique and historic ties with commonwealth countries thus allowing for bilateral trade agreements to be beneficially arranged . That Britain “ invented ” Parliamentary democracy and does not need the advice of “ unelected bureaucrats ” to improve it . Again , populism aside , is he onto something ?
These may not seem like critical insights , because they are not , but after reading Root ’ s book I realised that I had previously internalised some of the ideas from Modernisation Theory without even knowing it because I would not have thought in these ways before . In fact I was unreservedly pro-EU believing any opposition was to turn one ’ s back on the modern world and become
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