Why Western Economic Progress Surpassed that of the Rest of the World

This essay examines why, over the last several hundred years, significant economic growth has occurred in the West, but not elsewhere. It concludes that, although institutional considerations and the process of innovation have been intrinsic elements of Western progress, neither serves as a complete explanation. Further causes, many of which are primarily cultural, social, or geographic, must be taken into account. Any attempt to answer the question of Western progress must involve the above concerns, otherwise it will be at best incomplete.