World-system

Abstract

The world-systems approach studies social change from the totality of international relations. The modern world-system emerged in the 16th century in Europe and has expanded over the centuries to cover the whole globe. It operates through a spatial division of labor through which the core exploits the periphery. This relationship is enforced by the stronger core states and made possible by different social structures in core and periphery. After long periods of stagnation, the types of goods exchanged and the spatial structure of this division of labor change. New periods of economic growth are characterized by new core states and the incorporation of new peripheries into the world-system. Despite these changes in spatial structure, the way in which the world-system functions remained the same. The multitude of competing states gave capitalism the freedom to develop. The degree of competition varies. Periods with increasing rivalry alternate with relatively brief periods when a hegemonic state dominates the world-economy and world politics. Hegemony disappears while the other core states catch up. The ever-increasing role of the state together with the impossibility in incorporating new peripheries undermines the present system.