Historically, when the pace of technological progress was relatively low, high geographical and political unity, as existed in China, despite its adverse effect on competition and innovation, allows centralized regimes to govern enormous empires efficiently and foster economic growth by establishing the rule of law and investing in public goods. But when technological progress accelerated, geographical fragmentation as existed in Europe, despite their adverse effect on social cohesiveness, facilitated competition and innovations and contributed to the earlier take-off of Europe.
Historically, when the pace of technological progress was relatively low, high geographical and political unity, as existed in China, despite its adverse effect on competition and innovation, allows centralized regimes to govern enormous empires efficiently and foster economic growth by establishing the rule of law and investing in public goods. But when technological progress accelerated, geographical fragmentation as existed in Europe, despite their adverse effect on social cohesiveness, facilitated competition and innovations and contributed to the earlier take-off of Europe.