Who is recognized as the creator of the world-systems theory?

Who is recognized as the creator of the world-systems theory?

• A. Immanuel Wallerstein
• B. Andre Gunder Frank
• C. Karl Marx
• D. Thomas Friedman

Answer: (A)

World-systems theory analyzes the global economy as one interconnected system organized around core, semi-periphery, and periphery regions, with wealth and power circulating through these positions. Immanuel Wallerstein is recognized as the creator of this approach, formalizing the idea that capitalism operates on a world-economy rather than isolated national economies. His work, especially The Modern World-System, shows how core countries extract surplus from less powerful areas, shaping development and inequality across the globe. While Andre Gunder Frank contributed to related ideas like dependency theory and Karl Marx laid the groundwork for analyzing capitalism, Wallerstein’s framework is the one that established world-systems as a distinct theory. Thomas Friedman writes about globalization, but not as the originator of this theory.

World-systems theory analyzes the global economy as one interconnected system organized around core, semi-periphery, and periphery regions, with wealth and power circulating through these positions. Immanuel Wallerstein is recognized as the creator of this approach, formalizing the idea that capitalism operates on a world-economy rather than isolated national economies. His work, especially The Modern World-System, shows how core countries extract surplus from less powerful areas, shaping development and inequality across the globe. While Andre Gunder Frank contributed to related ideas like dependency theory and Karl Marx laid the groundwork for analyzing capitalism, Wallerstein’s framework is the one that established world-systems as a distinct theory. Thomas Friedman writes about globalization, but not as the originator of this theory.