The dependency theory which was one of the first structural theories
that attempted to explain the dynamics of the International arena. The theory
was later developed into the World Systems Theory by Immanuel Wallerstein, who
was a sociologist and a historical social scientist. The World Systems Theory
breaks the states down into three divisions consisting of the core,
semi-periphery and periphery. The division itself show the capitalistic nature
of the theory as the division are made according to the level of development of
the states. Yes indeed, United States would be considered as a core
capitalistic country, exploiting other countries for their own benefits. While
on the other hand African states being exploited will be considered as
peripheral states
Before we move onto the analysis of fall of capitalism and
eventual rise of socialism. It is important to see how effectively the theory
explains the international forum. The theory claims that this propaganda of
rising capitalism will eventually die down through a revolt which will result
in socialism being the new world order. However, earlier dependency theorists
have claimed how there can be movement along the hierarchical structure where the
peripheral states can graduate into the semi-peripheral. This can be seen as a
betrayal to the original Marxists roots as it claims that the proletariat (periphery)
will revolt against the bourgeoisie (core) which will result in change to socialism.
However, with the possibility of states graduating from the periphery to the
semi periphery, then there is little possibility of a major revolt resulting in
a total system change.
Moving on from this criticism of the theory itself, it is
evident that the theory explains that
international forum to be capitalistic
one where states are looking to exploit other states. The power of certain states
gives them leverage over other states which leads to exploitation. The
exploitation levels will eventually reach such a stage where there will be no
other outcome other than revolt by the weak states against the developed states.
As a result, Socialism will then prevail.
There are many political parties around the globe that have socialist manifestos. Perhaps the idea that socialism may prevail is not at all far fetched.
ReplyDeleteGood post and like that you apply his theory at both the micro (proletariat vs. bourgeoisie) and macro (core vs. periphery) level. But what do you think will happen? Will capitalism survive, or will socialism prevail?
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