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
: The Industrial Revolution and the subsequent birth of a consumer society drove global trade and economic growth.
Ferguson argues that the West's era of predominance may be ending: Civilization The West & 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
These features distinguish the "West" from the "Rest" by explaining how a small minority of the global population secured the majority of its resources: In his book and documentary series Civilization: The
: He suggests the West is losing faith in its own heritage and institutions, potentially leading to a sudden demise rather than a slow transition.
: Representative government and the protection of private property—distinct from autocratic rule—underpinned economic stability and the rise of corporations. Civilization: The West and the Rest: Ferguson, Niall
The book is available through major retailers like Amazon , Barnes & Noble , and Rizzoli Bookstore . Civilization: The West and the Rest: Ferguson, Niall