MODERN WORLD SYSTEM THEORY

World system theory of Wallerstein looks systematic to historical reality. It is interested with whole not singular. Modern world system theory supports that capitalism developed in western because of some historical conditions emergenced there. Theory is interested with dependency school closely. So, this theory argues that stablenes, villager economies, sweated agriculture labor, traditional and authoritarian state structure of periphery countries are not internal skills of these countries.

Basic concepts of theory

World system; according to Wallerstein, system is unity and it is different from other groups, autonomy, a lot of society parts form it. Every group, in this social system, challenges each other for shaping system again. This system has borders and structures,rules with member groups and it is consistent social system at the same time. There are two different social systems in world system. They are world empires and world economy.

World empires and world economy

World empire means that politic system which is single system in a lot of countries of world and it formed by with connecting of powerful countries each other. Also, economies of the other countries are dependant.(Ottoman and Russian empires).World economy forms by various politic systems with war and economic challenge connected each other.

Core-periphery-semi periphery regions

World system theory supports that divides of world with core and periphery.Also, there are regions which’s name is semi-periphery and it takes definition according to relation with others.In here, there is structural and institutionalised division of labor in between core and periphery.

Core has high level technologic development and it produces high level products.In the other side,role of periphery provides raw material,agriculture product and cheap labor-force to representatives of core. Changing between core and periphery happens in unequal conditions.Periphery should sell its product with cheap price.But,on the other hand,it should buy products of core with high prices.Also,there is semi-periphery region.(Brazil,South Africa).According to Wallerstein,semi-periphery countries can not be autonomous in world system in real terms.These countries are not industry countries but situations of them are better than periphery countries.Semi-periphery countries join to competition for core-statue.This situation always provides instability order in world system.

Wallerstein supports world system theory with economic development and economic level between states.We can explain international relations order with this theory.Because there is dependence situation between countries.Powerful countries always need cheap labor and cheap raw-materials for development of their industry.So,this theory can reflect world of today in economic order.But it can not explain and support international relations in political and military platform.Also, this theory base on liberal politics when it explains world system.