What did the West do to succeed?

Niall Ferguson

The economist and historian Niall Ferguson argues that Western civilization came to dominate the world by developing and using six concepts: competition, science, the rule of law, modern medicine, consumerism and the work ethic. As the rest of the world adopts these concepts, the less the west dominates it. Mr. Ferguson discusses the historic power of several western empires and their inevitable decline with author, reporter, and cultural critic Susan Jacoby.
Source: After Words: Niall Ferguson, "Civilization: The West and the Rest," hosted by Susan Jacoby

Stephen Zunes

Stephen Zunes on the Middle East

Stephen Zunes discusses with Scott Horton the Arab Spring as the culmination of decades of peaceful rebellion against tyrannical governments. He explains how violent revolutions tend to breed more violence and result in authoritarian governments. He comments on how the Bush administration helped to bring down a few of Middle East/North African dictators without meaning to.
Source: Scott Horton Interviews Stephen Zunes

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Music includes David Freyer - Rise Up!, Bob Dylan - The Times They Are A-Changin', Michael Jackson - History, Mario Cuomo 7-16-1984, Antrim Mennonite Choir - Amazing Grace, Bobby McFerrin - All I Want, Joan Baez - Night They Drove Old Dixie Down

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