Since the 1500's, Western kingdoms have steadily risen and expanded to the point that their ways of life (economic, social, political, religious) have surpassed that of other parts of the world. Now, when we look at the current state of the world, are trends continuing in the same direction, or is the Western ideal threatened? Looking at evidence from the video, as well as multiple events that have taken place in the past few years, do you think the West will continue to lead global trends and ideas, or has it begun to stagnate, and is it being passed by others?

Since the 1500's, Western kingdoms have steadily risen and expanded to the point that their ways of life (economic, social, political, religious) have surpassed that of other parts of the world. Now, when we look at the current state of the world, are trends continuing in the same direction, or is the Western ideal threatened? Looking at evidence from the video, as well as multiple events that have taken place in the past few years, do you think the West will continue to lead global trends and ideas, or has it begun to stagnate, and is it being passed by others?