The End of History and Time: Is Change Possible or an Illusion?

Published on 02 Sep 2026

Dr. Teo Lee Ken | Contributing Fellow

What happens when political movements lose their ability to imagine a different future?

In The End of History and Time: Is Change Possible or an Illusion?, Dr. Teo Lee Ken examines the changing political currents shaping Malaysia and the wider world. From the legacy of Reformasi to the rise of populist and identity-based politics, the article explores the consequences of political fragmentation, declining trust and the loss of hope in meaningful change.

The central challenge is not simply political competition, but whether political rhetoric can translate into tangible improvements in people’s lives. As societies become more polarised and complex, the ability to imagine, pursue and deliver meaningful change becomes increasingly important.