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As a fun fact, there are a few theories on why technological development was so unequal around the world, there's the hegemon versus competition argument that states: Geopolitical entities often had to choose to push through reform and advancement at the cost of their own stability because they ran the fear of being outcompeted by nearby states, so for example France could never isolate itself or they would be destroyed by their opponents, so they simply had to push for better weapons and thinking even at the cost of their own stability. On the other hand you had the Qing, who were living through the most peaceful period in their history (until the british arrived) because they had complete hegemon over all their neighbours, this meant that they had no real reason to push forth new technological development (until the british arrived).
I must mention that it IS just one of many theories, one that relates to the "Red Queen's Race" concept of interstate anarchy. So do remember that there are cases that also fit as exceptions.
t. /who/man
