Explain the key differences between core, peripheral, and semiperipheral countries as outlined in world systems theory. Include a discussion of the relationships and integration among these three types.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Ans: (1) Core countries: economically advanced, technologically sophisticated, and well educated. Control vast majority of world’s wealth and reap the greatest benefits from the world economic order. United States, Canada, Western and Northern Europe, and Japan. (2) Peripheral countries: low national incomes, low levels of technological and industrial development, and may still depend on agriculture. Exploited by core states for cheap labor and raw materials. Central and Latin America, Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa. (3) Semiperipheral countries: share some characteristics with both core and peripheral states, intermediate, and sometimes stabilizing position between them. China, India, and Brazil may be exploited by core states but have capacity to exploit resources of peripheral states.
KEY: Learning Objective: 8.4: Apply theoretical perspectives to analyze the existence and persistence of global inequality.
REF: Cognitive Domain: Analysis
Answer Location: Theoretical Perspectives on Global