Political theories and development models are essential to understanding and analyzing international relations. This discussion will examine different political models/development models and determine which ones are more accurate or realistic and which ones are not.
I believe the most accurate model is Dependency Theory, as it takes into account the complexities of how global economic systems interact and how this affects different nations. Dependency Theory is based on the idea that the global economy is made up of core nations that benefit from the exploitation of peripheral nations (Coccia 1). This theory also acknowledges the role of power dynamics in the global economy, recognizing that core nations have more power and control than peripheral nations.
The world system theory was proposed by American sociologist and economic historian Immanuel Wallerstein in his classic work, “The World System of the Early Modern Period”. It is based on three types of states: postindustrial states, industrial states, and socialist states. Each of these types of conditions has different political systems that can be applied in different international situations (Coccia 3). This model helped to better understand the differences between countries and international relations, but it is not an accurate or realistic model, as it fails to consider the role of power dynamics and the unequal distribution of resources.
The modernization model was developed by American sociologist Talcott Parsons in 1950. It is based on the idea that modernization leads to the development of a country and that the subsequent development of a country leads to improved international relations. The modernization model is used to define development strategies and make decisions about the development of international relations and the global economy (Coccia w). The Modernization Model is not as accurate or realistic, as it fails to adequately account for the power dynamics in the global economy.
In conclusion, it can be said that Dependency Theory is the most precise model since it considers the intricacies of how global economic structures interconnect and how this impacts various countries. All the models help to better understand the differences between states and international relations. However, the world system theory and The modernization model may be less accurate and realistic as they do not consider the power dynamics in the global economy and the unequal distribution of resources.
Work Cited
Coccia, Mario. “Comparative World-Systems Theories.” Global Encyclopedia of Public Administration, Public Policy, and Governance; Farazmand, A., Ed (2019).