Alleged Theory on How the West Rose to Power

In a recent tweet by Yuen Yuen Ang, an interesting theory was proposed on how the West rose to power. The tweet discusses four key factors that contributed to the rise of the Western world, with only one factor being recognized with a Nobel prize. Let’s delve deeper into these factors and examine their significance.

The first factor mentioned in the tweet is the emphasis on economic and political freedoms, labeled as AJR. This factor suggests that the Western world’s embrace of freedom in both economic and political spheres played a crucial role in its ascent to power. The idea of freedom has long been associated with Western ideals, and it is interesting to see how this concept translates into tangible power dynamics on a global scale.

The second factor highlighted in the tweet is colonial-imperial extraction. This factor points to the historical practice of Western powers extracting resources and wealth from their colonies to fuel their own growth and development. Colonialism has been a contentious issue throughout history, with many arguing that it has contributed to the economic disparities we see in the world today.

The third factor mentioned is state capacity, industrial policy, and trade protectionism. This factor underscores the importance of strong state institutions, strategic industrial policies, and protectionist trade practices in shaping the economic success of the Western world. It suggests that a combination of government intervention and protectionist measures played a key role in fostering economic growth and development.

The fourth and final factor discussed in the tweet is the access to money among elites while curbing predation. This factor implies that the Western world was able to achieve economic success by allowing elites to access wealth and resources while also preventing excessive exploitation and corruption. It speaks to the delicate balance that must be struck between allowing for economic growth and ensuring social stability and equity.

It is worth noting that out of these four factors, only one has been recognized with a Nobel prize. This raises interesting questions about the criteria for awarding such prestigious accolades and the factors that are deemed most important in shaping global power dynamics.

In conclusion, the tweet by Yuen Yuen Ang offers a thought-provoking perspective on the factors that contributed to the rise of the Western world. By examining the role of economic and political freedoms, colonial-imperial extraction, state capacity, industrial policy, trade protectionism, and elite access to wealth, we can gain a better understanding of the complex dynamics that have shaped our world today.

Source: Yuen Yuen Ang’s Twitter

How did the West rise?

1) Economic & political freedoms (AJR)
2) Colonial-imperial extraction
3) State capacity, industrial policy, trade protectionism
4) Access money among elites while curbing predation

Only 1 wins Nobel & the rest do not. Learn about them all. pic.twitter.com/rGsRLr2i00

— Yuen Yuen Ang (@yuenyuenang) October 21, 2024

When we look at the rise of the West, we are faced with a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that cannot be explained by a single factor alone. How did the West rise? Let’s delve into the key elements that contributed to this historical development.

What role did economic & political freedoms play in the rise of the West?

One of the crucial factors that propelled the West to its position of global dominance was the presence of economic and political freedoms. These freedoms, often referred to as AJR (Acemoglu, Johnson, and Robinson) factors, provided the necessary environment for innovation, entrepreneurship, and overall economic growth. Countries in the West embraced free-market principles, allowing individuals to pursue their economic interests without undue government interference. This led to the creation of vibrant economies that attracted investment and fostered prosperity.

How did colonial-imperial extraction contribute to the rise of the West?

Another significant aspect of the West’s rise was its history of colonial-imperial extraction. Western powers established colonies in various parts of the world, exploiting the resources and labor of indigenous populations for their own benefit. This extraction of wealth played a crucial role in fueling the industrial revolution and providing Western countries with the resources they needed to develop their economies. However, it also had devastating effects on the colonized populations, leading to exploitation and underdevelopment in many regions.

What role did state capacity, industrial policy, and trade protectionism play in the rise of the West?

State capacity, industrial policy, and trade protectionism were essential components of the West’s economic success. Strong states with the ability to enforce laws and regulations created a stable environment for business to thrive. Industrial policies aimed at promoting key industries and sectors helped drive innovation and technological advancement. Trade protectionism, through tariffs and other measures, shielded domestic industries from foreign competition, allowing them to grow and compete on a global scale.

How did access to money among elites while curbing predation contribute to the rise of the West?

Access to capital among elites, combined with efforts to curb predatory behavior, also played a role in the West’s rise. Wealthy individuals and corporations were able to secure the funding needed to invest in new ventures and expand their businesses. At the same time, mechanisms were put in place to prevent excessive exploitation and predation, ensuring a level playing field for economic activity. This balance between access to capital and regulatory oversight helped drive economic growth and prosperity in the West.

In conclusion, the rise of the West was a complex process that involved a combination of economic, political, and social factors. While economic and political freedoms, colonial-imperial extraction, state capacity, industrial policy, and access to capital all played a role, it was the interplay of these factors that ultimately led to the West’s ascendance. By understanding and learning about these various elements, we can gain valuable insights into the historical development of the Western world.

Sources:

• Yuen Yuen Ang twitter Post