C3: World Systems Theory

Summary

This screencast explains World Systems Theory, a perspective developed by Immanuel Wallerstein, as a modified version of Dependency Theory, both rooted in Marxist critique of global capitalism. It divides the world into three economic zones: core, semi-periphery, and periphery. Core nations, rich and developed, exploit the resources of the poorer periphery and semi-periphery nations. Semi-periphery nations, like India and Brazil, are industrializing but lack the economic strength of core nations. The theory critiques global inequality, viewing development and underdevelopment as interlinked processes driven by exploitation.

Takeaways

• 🌍 World-systems theory, associated with Immanuel Wallerstein, is a modified version of Dependency Theory, rooted in a Marxist critique of global capitalism.
• 📉 Dependency Theory argues that global inequality exists because resources flow from poorer peripheral countries to richer core countries.
• 💡 Development and underdevelopment are viewed as two sides of the same coin, with rich nations benefiting from the exploitation of poorer countries.
• 🌎 World-systems theory introduces a third group, the semi-periphery, which lies between the core and periphery in terms of economic development.
• 🏦 Core countries, which are highly developed, control world trade, finance, and technology, exploiting both periphery and semi-periphery nations.
• 💼 Peripheral countries are poorer, with weak governments and economies based on primary activities like agriculture and mining, often exploited by the core.
• 🏗️ Semi-periphery countries, like India and Brazil, are industrialized but lack the technological sophistication and financial sectors of the core.
• 🔄 The global capitalist system is dynamic, allowing countries to move between the core, semi-periphery, and periphery over time, although this is rare.
• 📉 Both Dependency Theory and World-systems theory argue that underdevelopment in poorer countries is caused by exploitation from richer countries.
• 🚫 From these perspectives, increased trade and relations with richer countries do not help poor countries develop but instead lead to more exploitation.

Q & A

What is the core idea behind World Systems Theory?

World Systems Theory argues that the global economy is a unified system where countries are divided into three zones: the core, semi-periphery, and periphery. Core countries exploit the periphery and semi-periphery, while semi-periphery countries are intermediate, both exploited and exploiting others.

How does World Systems Theory differ from Dependency Theory?

World Systems Theory expands on Dependency Theory by adding a third category of countries, the semi-periphery, which is intermediate between the rich core and poor periphery. Both theories argue that global inequality is driven by exploitation, but World Systems Theory sees the world as a single system with more complex relationships.

What are the characteristics of core countries in World Systems Theory?

Core countries are the most highly developed economies with advanced industries like banking, finance, and research. They were the first to fully develop capitalist economies and have global influence, controlling world trade and exploiting other zones.

What defines peripheral countries in World Systems Theory?

Peripheral countries are typically underdeveloped, with weak governments and economies based on primary economic activities like mining and agriculture. They are exploited by core and semi-periphery countries, supplying raw materials in exchange for finished goods.

What role do semi-periphery countries play in the global system?

Semi-periphery countries are positioned between the core and periphery. They are often newly industrialized, such as India or Brazil, and can aspire to move into the core or slide into the periphery. They exploit peripheral countries but are also exploited by core countries.

Why is upward mobility from the periphery to the core difficult in World Systems Theory?

Upward mobility is challenging because the global system is structured to maintain inequality. Movement from the periphery to the core is rare and typically comes at the expense of other semi-periphery countries, as seen in the historical rise of Japan and the recent industrial growth in China and India.

What is the significance of capitalism in World Systems Theory?

Capitalism is seen as the driving force behind global inequality. The system is dynamic, as capital constantly moves in search of profit, crossing national borders and exploiting less developed regions. This creates a hierarchy where core countries accumulate wealth at the expense of others.

How does World Systems Theory view global trade?

World Systems Theory views global trade as a mechanism of exploitation. Core countries benefit the most from global trade, using it to extract surplus value from the periphery and semi-periphery, while offering limited benefits to those regions.

What are the critiques of modernization theory from the perspective of World Systems Theory?

World Systems Theory criticizes modernization theory for assuming all countries can develop like the West. It argues that modernization theory ignores the impact of colonialism and exploitation by wealthy countries, which used resources from colonies to advance their own development.

What is 'delinking,' and why is it proposed by World Systems Theory?

'Delinking' refers to the idea that poorer countries should reduce or sever their ties with the global capitalist economy to achieve true development. World Systems Theory suggests that continued relations with rich countries only lead to further exploitation rather than genuine development.