These features distinguish the "West" from the "Rest" by explaining how a small minority of the global population secured the majority of its resources:
: 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 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"
: He suggests the West is losing faith in its own heritage and institutions, potentially leading to a sudden demise rather than a slow transition. Civilization The West & the Rest
: The Scientific Revolution gave the West a major military and technological advantage over Eastern rivals.