it is the superiority of early modern European institutions and culture that furthered development in the West, but had no equivalent in other regions of the world

capitalist institutions, such as secure individual property rights, free markets and minimal but good government — and an enlightened and rationalistic belief system, which emerged from the Protestant Reformation, were the prime factors causing the onset of Europe's modern economic growth and the consequent divergence

it was inevitable that the West would first break through to an industrialized society and capitalist modernity, and next become the driving force of globalization

reshape the political economic landscape on which all future policy battles will be waged

great wealth comes increasingly not from enterprise but from inheritance

might be used to justify higher taxes on the wealthy

Piketty’s main argument is this: that invested capital – in the stock market, in real estate – will grow faster than income.

strengthen the case for redistribution

ive the poorer individuals some capital to invest.

paucity of scientific historical and political analysis

can be overcom

the economic contradictions of capitalism give rise to its breakdown and the eruption of social revolution

including the United States, which is the world’s second largest greenhouse gas emitter.

fossil fuel

is not prescriptive; signatory countries are asked to implement their own emissions-reduction strategies.

While the US now represents around 15% of global greenhouse gas emissions, it remains the world's biggest and most powerful economy.

saving an estimated 2 to 3 million lives each year from preventable diseases.

the UN’s efforts at the very least create an international standard for nations to strive towards.

The UN played a major role in decolonization efforts following WWII and continues to provide a forum to discuss international objectives like decolonization.

the primary goal of states is to avoid hegemony, to prevent any single state from achieving a position from which it can dominate over others

internal mobilization of military power, external alliances against potential aggressors, or the use of force if necessary.

the principle actor in international relations

unitary actor

national interest