Which theory emphasizes global economic relationships with core nations dominating and peripheral regions providing labor and resources?

Which theory emphasizes global economic relationships with core nations dominating and peripheral regions providing labor and resources?

• A. World Systems Theory
• B. Dependency Theory
• C. Mercantilism
• D. Geopolitical Realism

Answer: (A)

Global economic patterns are organized through a structured world-system where powerful core nations control most wealth and decision-making, while peripheral regions provide labor and raw materials. World-Systems Theory describes this arrangement as a single capitalist world economy divided into core, periphery, and semi-periphery. The core dominates production, capital, and technology, extracting profits, while peripheral areas supply labor and resources on terms that sustain their subordinate position. The phrase in the question matches this core-periphery dynamic exactly, making this theory the best fit. Dependency Theory also speaks to exploitation, but it focuses more on how underdevelopment arises from dependence on richer countries, whereas World-Systems Theory emphasizes the ongoing structure and flow of the global economy itself. Mercantilism centers on state trade policies and wealth accumulation through favorable balances, not the global core-periphery relationship. Geopolitical Realism deals with power politics and security rather than economic structuring of the world system.

Global economic patterns are organized through a structured world-system where powerful core nations control most wealth and decision-making, while peripheral regions provide labor and raw materials. World-Systems Theory describes this arrangement as a single capitalist world economy divided into core, periphery, and semi-periphery. The core dominates production, capital, and technology, extracting profits, while peripheral areas supply labor and resources on terms that sustain their subordinate position. The phrase in the question matches this core-periphery dynamic exactly, making this theory the best fit.

Dependency Theory also speaks to exploitation, but it focuses more on how underdevelopment arises from dependence on richer countries, whereas World-Systems Theory emphasizes the ongoing structure and flow of the global economy itself. Mercantilism centers on state trade policies and wealth accumulation through favorable balances, not the global core-periphery relationship. Geopolitical Realism deals with power politics and security rather than economic structuring of the world system.