Except for a small number of small countries, such as Iceland or the Netherlands, successful political institutions have been brought forth alone in the English-speaking world. Success is demonstrated, above all else, by freedom of movement and the peaceful transition of power. The rest of the world consists of countries representing varying degrees of failure. France is in its fifth republic since the great Revolution of 1789. Germany needed America to give it a functioning government.
Political institutions are distinct from other accomplishments.
The artistic, technological or culinary contributions of many a society may be of the highest order. Some societies appear to be on the mend, mostly under Anglo-American influence, but the turn for the better is far too recent to be seen as conclusive. International conferences are thus comprised for the most part of persons representing countries of failed political institutions. The United Nations is thus populated for the most part by persons representing countries of failed political institutions. Many of the countries themselves survived the 20th century because America had come to their rescue.