The modernization theory, which focuses on the economic and cultural differences between industrialized and developing nations, has come under criticism for its weaknesses. It disregards external factors and assumes that western civilization is inherently superior. It also associates development solely with European and American models and is based on deterministic reasoning. Additionally, the theory has been challenged by empirical evidence and has been criticized for overlooking the impact of external sources of change. Moreover, it has been argued that economic growth does not necessarily lead to development, democracy, and human rights advancement. Some scholars have also rejected the theory's claim that economic development automatically brings about political democracy. This has led to the theory's discrediting and identification of its main weakness as its failure to account for the complexities and nuances of global and political systems.