Civilization: Is the West History? (2011)
Civilization: Is the West History? is a thought-provoking documentary series that aired in 2011, exploring the pivotal factors that have positioned Western civilization at the forefront of global influence over the past five centuries. Presented by the renowned historian Niall Ferguson, the series delves into the concept that the West, despite being a minority in terms of population, managed to dominate the majority of the world’s resources through the development and implementation of six “killer apps”.
The series begins by setting the historical context, contrasting the seemingly primitive state of Western Europe during the 15th century with the advanced civilizations of Ming China and Ottoman Turkey. It then poses a critical question: How did the West manage to surpass its Eastern counterparts to become the world’s leading power? Ferguson argues that the West’s ascendancy can be attributed to its unique adoption and cultivation of six powerful concepts: competition, science, the rule of law, modern medicine, consumerism, and the work ethic. These elements acted as catalysts, propelling the West to capitalize on new trade routes, harness scientific advancements, evolve representative government, improve life expectancy, spark the industrial revolution, and significantly boost human productivity.
Throughout the six episodes, Ferguson illustrates how these six “killer apps” enabled a dozen Western empires to control a significant portion of the global population and economy. However, the series also addresses the contemporary shift in global dynamics, suggesting that the era of Western predominance may be drawing to a close. The “Rest,” referring to non-Western societies, have begun to adopt these same “killer apps,” while the West itself appears to be grappling with a crisis of confidence and identity.
“Civilization: Is the West History?” challenges viewers to reflect on the factors that have shaped the modern world and to consider the future trajectory of global civilization. It presents a compelling narrative that intertwines history, economics, and culture, ultimately questioning whether the West’s period of dominance is an ongoing saga or a chapter nearing its end.
