CHICAGO - Western countries must rework the ideas and institutions, or "killer apps", that drove their initial rise if they are to excel again in the current global environment, a Harvard professor said here Monday.

Niall Ferguson, a professor of history, made the remarks in a speech at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs.

Ferguson said the primary reason for the rise of Western civilization since the 16th century could be attributed to six developments and dedications: the importance of competition, the scientific revolution, the rule of law, modern medicine, a consumer society and a strong work ethic.

As time passes, these "killer apps" have spread throughout the world. However, Ferguson said, while other countries have "downloaded" them to their benefit, many Western countries are simultaneously damaging their institutions with corrupt "viruses."

"We appear to be intent on deleting the killer apps even as they download them ... Or even if you don't delete them, you can cause them to work so slowly that it seems like there must be a virus on the hard drive," Ferguson said, adding the West's institutions have recently been weakened through both fiscal irresponsibility and political pandering.

Despite the current difficulties facing the eurozone and the United States, Ferguson said he believes Western civilization is in no danger of collapsing as long as leaders honestly recognize the situation at hand and act now before it worsens.

"The lesson of history is that institutions can be changed -- they can be improved," Ferguson said.

"And I passionately believe that we can do that. And we must do it ... we need to delete the viruses, update the software, get the killer apps to work again and rework this country's machinery before it's too late," he said.