Member-only story
Why Some Countries Are Rich and Others Are Poor — The Role of Dependency Theory and World-Systems Theory
What makes some countries rich while others struggle in poverty?
Is it because of luck, geography, or perhaps a historical pattern that’s too deeply rooted to escape? The answer isn’t a simple one. It’s a blend of political decisions, economic policies, and even global power dynamics.
In fact, two powerful theories — Dependency Theory and World-Systems Theory — can help shed light on this complex issue.
If you’ve ever wondered how global economic systems shape local prosperity, this blog will break it down. Think of it like a road map that explains why wealth isn’t just about resources, but about who controls the game.
I’ve got some helpful resources waiting for you, so you can continue exploring.
What Is Dependency Theory?
Imagine you’re in a classroom where one student has all the resources: the best books, the most support, and the easiest path to success. On the other hand, another student doesn’t have the same resources and struggles to keep up.
Now, what if the reason the second student is struggling isn’t because they’re lazy, but because the classroom…