The concept describes a framework for understanding global economic relationships, categorizing countries into core, periphery, and semi-periphery based on their levels of economic development and dependence. Core nations benefit from exploiting peripheral nations for raw materials and cheap labor. Semi-peripheral nations occupy a middle ground, exhibiting characteristics of both core and periphery. For example, Western Europe and North America are often cited as core regions, while sub-Saharan Africa is often considered a peripheral region. Emerging economies such as Brazil or India are often considered semi-peripheral.
This approach offers crucial insights into global inequalities and the historical processes that have shaped them. It highlights the interconnectedness of nations and the enduring legacies of colonialism and imperialism. By analyzing global economic structures, one can better understand trade patterns, development disparities, and the dynamics of power on a global scale. The theory allows for a critical assessment of globalization and its effects on different parts of the world, helping to explain persistent patterns of uneven development.
