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 Industrial Revolution and the subsequent birth of a consumer society drove global trade and economic growth. Civilization The West & the Rest
: Representative government and the protection of private property—distinct from autocratic rule—underpinned economic stability and the rise of corporations. These features distinguish the "West" from the "Rest"
: 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 Current Status and Potential Decline : He suggests
: He suggests the West is losing faith in its own heritage and institutions, potentially leading to a sudden demise rather than a slow transition.
: Breakthroughs in healthcare more than doubled life expectancy, allowing Western empires to expand into previously inhospitable regions.