What underlying cause has contributed significantly to the current global stratification observed among nations, especially in terms of wealth and power distribution?

One major cause of global stratification is the historical impact of colonialism. When European countries colonized parts of Africa, Asia, and the Americas, they took resources and wealth from these regions, leaving them with less economic power. This exploitation created a gap between wealthy nations and poorer ones, as the colonized countries often struggled to develop their own economies afterward. For example, while countries like Britain grew rich from the resources they extracted, many former colonies still grapple with poverty and limited opportunities today. This historical injustice has lasting effects, as wealth and power remain concentrated in the hands of a few nations.