In Fukuyama's context, which of the following is included in the concept of rule of law?

The concept of the rule of law, as discussed by Fukuyama, emphasizes the importance of protecting individual rights, which includes both human rights and property rights. In his analysis, the rule of law is foundational to political order and stability, as it ensures that all individuals are subject to the same laws and that their rights are safeguarded against arbitrary governance. Human rights pertain to the basic freedoms and protections that are inherent to all individuals, while property rights refer to the legal rights to own and use property. This framework serves to establish trust in the legal system and promotes equitable treatment under the law, making it essential for a functioning democracy.

The other options, while related to governance and political structures, do not encapsulate the core essence of the rule of law as Fukuyama describes it. For instance, checks and balances of power and separation of powers are mechanisms designed to prevent the concentration of authority and promote accountability within government, whereas national sovereignty refers to the principle of a state's independence and governance free from external interference. These concepts support the rule of law but focus more on institutional frameworks rather than directly addressing the protection of individual rights that is central to Fukuyama's understanding of the rule of law.