Liberalism and democracy, despite their imperfections, stand resilient as the foundations of society after the collapse of various utopian visions and extremist ideologies that have often led to violence and conflict. Robert D. Kaplan argues in his book that these political systems are what endure when radical notions based on power and territory fail to deliver their promises, highlighting the necessity of pragmatic governance.

The author's reflections emphasize the importance of these systems in maintaining stability and encouraging political discourse in a world where extreme measures have proven destructive. As societies evolve, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of liberalism and democracy becomes crucial in navigating the complexities of modern governance and humanity's quest for peace.