We can never declare the end of history -- the resolution of one conflict (such as communism vs. capitalism) usually signals but an interlude before the next struggle (like the one we're now in between modernism and reactionary fundamentalism). Unfortunately, the political philosopher who most understood this has himself been misunderstood. If Hegel were still studied, somebody might do an interesting essay extrapolating his insights on frontiers (as long as people can pick up and move on, potential rebels become pioneers instead) into the intellectual realm. This is still a nation, despite the best efforts of unbending ideologues of all stripes, in which people can pick up and move on from orthodox thought.
