Why is it that west European countries are generally bigger, more stable and more ethnically homogeneous, and East European countries are less so?

Question

I am mainly thinking of UK, France, Germany, Spain as big, but all of them (with the possible exception of Ireland) could be thought of as stable, ie no wars or revolution since WW2.

In: Other

Answer 1

They are not more ethnically homogenous. Poland is the most ethnically homogenous country in the EU. But size/economic development wise – National, industrial and bourgeoise revolutions hit Western Europe first (NL, UK, France). Since 17-18th century they developed industries and civil society that also brought on strong institutions, while a lot of Eastern Europe was stuck under illiberal empires (AH, Russian, Ottoman). But in general, institutions. Strong, functioning, not dependent on personality institutions are what makes countries stable and prosperous.