: The political and economic fragmentation of Europe fostered a competitive environment between and within states, driving innovation.
: A combination of institutional frameworks and cultural values (often linked to the Protestant work ethic) provided the human capital necessary for sustained development. Current Status and Potential Decline
: Breakthroughs in healthcare more than doubled life expectancy, allowing Western empires to expand into previously inhospitable regions. Civilization The West & the Rest
In his book and documentary series Civilization: The West and the Rest , historian Niall Ferguson identifies six "killer applications" that enabled Western civilization to achieve global dominance starting in the 1500s. The Six "Killer Apps" of Western Civilization
These features distinguish the "West" from the "Rest" by explaining how a small minority of the global population secured the majority of its resources: : The political and economic fragmentation of Europe
: The Industrial Revolution and the subsequent birth of a consumer society drove global trade and economic growth.
: He suggests the West is losing faith in its own heritage and institutions, potentially leading to a sudden demise rather than a slow transition. In his book and documentary series Civilization: The
: Representative government and the protection of private property—distinct from autocratic rule—underpinned economic stability and the rise of corporations.