World Systems Theory Concepts

The video explores World Systems Theory, developed by Emmanuel Wallerstein, as a neo-Marxist approach to global development. It categorizes nations into core, periphery, and semi-periphery, highlighting their interdependence and exploitation dynamics. Unlike Dependency Theory, it suggests semi-peripheral nations can exploit peripheral ones. The theory explains historical colonial ties and economic mobility but faces criticism for its capitalist focus and abstract concepts. It concludes with a discussion on globalization and economic control.

Who developed the World Systems Theory?

• Emmanuel Wallerstein

• Karl Marx

• Max Weber

• Andre Gunder Frank

What are the three categories of nations in World Systems Theory?

• Core, Semi-core, Periphery

• Core, Semi-periphery, Periphery

• Metropolis, Satellite, Periphery

• Developed, Developing, Underdeveloped

Which nations are considered core nations?

• Russia and Middle Eastern states

• UK, USA, Canada, and France

• Sub-Saharan African nations

• Brazil and India

How do semi-peripheral nations differ from peripheral nations?

• They have no economic growth

• They exploit peripheral nations

• They are part of the core nations

• They are not exploited by core nations

How does World Systems Theory view the relationship between core and semi-peripheral nations?

• Semi-peripheral nations exploit core nations

• Core nations exploit semi-peripheral nations

• Semi-peripheral nations are independent of core nations

• Core nations are dependent on semi-peripheral nations

What is a key benefit of World Systems Theory?

• It focuses solely on economic motives

• It suggests alternatives to capitalism

• It explains the historical significance of colonialism

• It offers a binary view of global relations

Which nations have moved up the economic hierarchy according to World Systems Theory?

• India and Brazil

• Sub-Saharan African nations

• Russia and Middle Eastern states

• UK and USA

What is a criticism of World Systems Theory?

• It provides clear alternatives to capitalism

• It acknowledges the control of core nations

• It offers a holistic perspective on development

• It assumes an economic motive behind development

What does World Systems Theory fail to acknowledge according to its critics?

• The economic mobility of nations

• The historical significance of colonialism

• The levels of control core nations maintain

• The interdependence of nations

What is a limitation of the concepts of core, peripheral, and semi-peripheral nations?

• They are too specific

• They are abstract

• They are universally accepted

• They are based on cultural factors