Chapter 2:

Regions and Global Order

In an increasingly interconnected world,

the relationship between regions and global order
is a critical area of study in international relations.
Regions, whether defined by geography, culture,
or economic ties, play a vital role in shaping the
dynamics of global politics. While global
governance is often thought of in terms of
international institutions and overarching
frameworks, regional interactions, alliances, and
conflicts are equally influential in determining the
trajectory of global order.

As the world continues to confront transnational issues like climate change,

migration, and security, the interplay between regionalism and globalism will remain central
to understanding how states and international organizations navigate complex global
challenges. Through this lens, we gain insight into the ways regions not only impact global
order but also reflect the shifting balance of power in contemporary international politics.

Lesson 6: The Global Divides: North and South

At the end of this lesson, students should be able to:

1. Define the term “Global South;”
2. Differentiate the Global South from the Third World; and
3. Analyze how a new conception of global relations emerged from the experiences
of Latin American countries.

Introduction

The way the world has been divided into different regions has evolved over time,
reflecting changes in politics, economics, and social conditions. Historically, world divisions
were not strictly based on geography but on a complex mix of power, wealth, and colonial
history. Over the years, terms like "East and West," "developed and developing nations," and
"First, Second, and Third World" have helped describe global inequalities. As the world
changed, so too did the categories used to classify nations. This lesson explores how these
divisions emerged, their significance, and how the terms "Global North" and "Global South"
replaced older concepts to reflect a more modern understanding of global inequality.

1
Evolution of World Divisions

East and West (Late 1940s – 1990s)

The "East and West" divide began after World War II and continued through the
Cold War (1947-1991). This division was based on political ideologies rather than
geography. The West referred to capitalist, democratic nations, particularly the United
States and its European allies, while the East referred to communist nations, led by the
Soviet Union and China. This divide symbolized the ideological battle between democracy
and communism that shaped global politics for much of the 20th century.

Time Period: Late 1940s – 1990s (during the Cold War)

Developed and Developing Nations (1960s – Present)

The terms "developed" and "developing" gained popularity in the 1960s, a time
when countries began seeking independence from colonial rule. "Developed" countries are
often referred to as "industrialized" or "advanced" economies. They have high levels of
income, industrialization, and technological development. These countries have stable
political systems, established infrastructure, and high standards of living. Examples include
the United States, Canada, Japan, and most Western European countries. In policy
discussions, "developed" countries are often seen as financial contributors, investors, and
leaders in global governance.

"Developing" nations are in the process of industrialization and are generally

characterized by lower income levels, less advanced infrastructure, and sometimes less
political stability. They may rely more heavily on agriculture or resource extraction, with
significant challenges related to poverty, education, healthcare, and unemployment. In policy

2
discussions, "developing" countries are often seen as recipients of aid or investment, and the
goal is to help these nations improve their economic conditions, governance, and social
development. Examples include many countries in Africa, parts of Asia, and Latin America.

Time Period: 1960s – Present (used in global policy discussions).

When the terms "developed" and "developing" are used in policy discussions, they
generally refer to countries' economic status, industrial capacity, and overall standard of
living. These terms help categorize nations to discuss issues like trade, aid, and global
development more easily.

First, Second, and Third World Countries (1950s – 1990s)

Coined during the Cold War in the 1950s and popularized in the 1960s, the terms
"First World," "Second World," and "Third World" categorized nations based on their
alignment during the Cold War. The "First World" included capitalist, democratic countries
like the United States and its Western allies. The "Second World" referred to communist
countries like the Soviet Union. The "Third World" referred to newly independent countries
in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, which were not aligned with either the capitalist or
communist blocs.

Time Period: 1950s – 1990s (Cold War period)

The Global North and South

Global North and South (Late 20th Century – Present)

3
 By the late 20th century, the terms "Global North" and "Global South" began
replacing older Cold War divisions. The Global North includes wealthy, industrialized
nations such as the United States, Canada, much of Europe, and some countries in East Asia
like Japan and South Korea. The Global South refers to countries that were formerly
colonized, including nations in Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, and parts of Asia.
These countries are often marked by poverty, political instability, and the lasting effects of
colonialism, although emerging powers like China and India are shifting this dynamic.

Time Period: Late 20th Century – Present

The Global South in the Context of Globalization

The Global South is becoming an increasingly important player in today’s global

economy due to the rise of countries like China, India, and several others in Southeast Asia.
These nations, once considered less developed, are now growing rapidly and challenging
the traditional dominance of wealthier countries in the Global North, such as the United
States and most European nations.

As globalization spreads, countries in the Global South are expanding their

economic power through better infrastructure, faster growth, and expanding trade. China
and India, for example, are not only major players in manufacturing and technology but are
also shaping global markets and trade agreements. This shift in power means that the
Global South is no longer just a passive recipient of global changes but is now actively
shaping the global economy.

Additionally, the Global South plays a crucial role in providing resources that the
Global North depends on, such as oil, minerals, and agricultural products. The natural
resources of countries in Africa, Latin America, and parts of Asia are vital to industries
around the world, making these nations key to the continued growth of the global economy.

4
 Moreover, the Global South is increasingly influencing global cultural trends. As
the populations of these countries grow, their rich cultural traditions, art, music, and media
are becoming more influential worldwide. For example, Bollywood in India and K-pop in
South Korea have seen global audiences, while African fashion and art are gaining
international recognition. This cultural shift highlights the Global South's growing soft
power in shaping global culture and social movements, further contributing to the region's
rising influence.

The growing influence of the Global South, both economically and culturally, is
transforming the global landscape, emphasizing the importance of these nations in shaping
not only the economy but also global society's values and cultural exchanges.

The World Economy: Global North and South Perspectives

Sociologist Immanuel Wallerstein’s World Systems Theory offers a framework for

understanding the relationship between the Global North and South. According to this
theory, countries are divided into three categories based on their roles in the global capitalist
system:

● Core: Wealthy, industrialized nations (Global North).

● Periphery: Poor, less developed countries (Global South).
● Semi-periphery: Countries in transition, often with some industrialization but not as
wealthy or powerful as core countries.

According to Wallerstein, the core nations exploit the periphery for resources and
labor, keeping the Global South dependent and economically disadvantaged. The semi-
periphery nations are in a transitional stage, with some rising influence.

Time Period: 1970s – Present

5
Summary

In conclusion, the world has been divided in various ways over time based on
political, economic, and historical factors. While terms like East and West, developed and
developing nations, and First, Second, and Third World dominated global discussions
during the 20th century, the modern terminology of Global North and Global South
provides a more accurate picture of the ongoing power imbalance between wealthy and
poorer nations. As globalization continues to evolve, the Global South, despite its
challenges, is becoming an increasingly important player on the world stage.