Niall Ferguson's book "Civilization: The West and the Rest" explores the idea that non-Western powers might struggle to gain from Western scientific advancements if they simultaneously disregard essential aspects of Western success. He emphasizes that the effective adoption of knowledge is intertwined with the establishment of private property rights, the rule of law, and a genuinely representative government, which are crucial components of Western civilization.

The author's argument implies that merely downloading scientific knowledge without embracing these institutional frameworks will limit progress. By neglecting these foundational elements, non-Western nations may find it challenging to create sustainable development and innovation comparable to their Western counterparts, thereby questioning the efficacy of their engagement with Western science.