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
: 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
: Representative government and the protection of private property—distinct from autocratic rule—underpinned economic stability and the rise of corporations.
: The Scientific Revolution gave the West a major military and technological advantage over Eastern rivals. In his book and documentary series Civilization: The
Ferguson argues that the West's era of predominance may be ending:
: The Industrial Revolution and the subsequent birth of a consumer society drove global trade and economic growth. : Representative government and the protection of private
: The political and economic fragmentation of Europe fostered a competitive environment between and within states, driving innovation.
