Final answer:
Harmony is the musical element that distinguishes Western music from other regions/cultures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The musical element that distinguishes Western music from other regions/cultures of the world is Harmony. Harmony refers to the combination of multiple pitches or tones played or sung simultaneously, creating chords and chord progressions. While other musical elements such as melody, rhythm, and form are found in various cultures, the concept of harmony as it is understood in Western music is unique to this region.