Niall Ferguson, in his book "Empire: How Britain Made the Modern World," argues that British imperialism played a pivotal role in the global acceptance and establishment of liberal capitalism. He suggests that the expansion of British influence facilitated the introduction of capitalist structures in various economies, fundamentally shaping their development.

Ferguson contends that without the reach of British rule, the spread of these economic systems would not have achieved the same level of success or integration across diverse regions. His analysis highlights the connection between imperialism and economic transformation, emphasizing how Britain's colonial ventures contributed to the modernization of economies worldwide.