The West has significantly impacted the non-western, developing world during the modern period. This has caused both positive and negative consequences. One of the most negative consequences of this relationship is colonialism. During the modern period, much of the developing world was a colony of European powers. These countries took many of the resources of underdeveloped places, while at the same time controlling their political and social life.
Another impact that the Western world had on the non-Western one is the process of Westernization. Because of the legacy of colonialism, many countries began to adopt cultural, religious and institutional traits that resembled those of Europe, and afterwards, those of North America. Sometimes, this meant that some of the elements of the local culture were damaged or forgotten.
Finally, in more recent years, the Western, European world has become interested in the non-Western world in ways that are more altruistic. Humanitarian aid has become a common feature of international politics, and they attempt to improve the standards of living of the developing world.
