Weltsystemtheorie

Weltsystemtheorie, often translated as World-System Theory, is a macro-sociological perspective that analyzes societies and historical processes in terms of the global economic system. Developed by Immanuel Wallerstein, it posits that the world is not composed of independent nation-states but rather a single, overarching capitalist world-economy. This system is characterized by a division of labor and an unequal exchange of goods and resources between different regions.

The theory identifies three core zones within this world-economy: the core, the periphery, and the semi-periphery. Core countries are characterized by advanced industrial production, high wages, and strong states, exploiting peripheral countries for raw materials and cheap labor. Peripheral countries are largely agrarian and dependent on core countries, experiencing underdevelopment and exploitation. The semi-periphery occupies an intermediate position, exhibiting characteristics of both core and periphery, acting as a buffer and a site for both exploitation and some industrialization.

Weltsystemtheorie emphasizes the historical development of this capitalist world-economy, tracing its origins to the 16th century and its expansion through colonialism and global trade. It argues that the dynamics of core-periphery relations are inherent to the system and drive its ongoing development and crises. The theory focuses on the long-term trends and cyclical rhythms of the world-economy, including economic booms and busts, as well as secular trends like increasing commodification and proletarianization. It offers a framework for understanding global inequality, historical change, and the interconnectedness of societies on a planetary scale.