: He suggests the West is losing faith in its own heritage and institutions, potentially leading to a sudden demise rather than a slow transition.

: Other civilizations have now successfully "downloaded" these six features, allowing countries like China to challenge Western supremacy.

: Breakthroughs in healthcare more than doubled life expectancy, allowing Western empires to expand into previously inhospitable regions.

: 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