Redefining the third World / edited by Nana Poku and Lloyd Pettiford

The book is based on an empirical observation and a theoretical claim. The observation derives from four interconnected developments in international politics:

(i) the ideological battle between the two super powers which dominated world politics for over forty years has ended

(ii) the economic development of the Asia Pacific Basin which throws into stark contrast the plight of other peripheral regions

(iii) the emergence of a neo-liberal democrati zation ideology which structures states' interactions with global institutions

(iv) the further marginalisation of the African continent within the global economy

The theoretical claim is that these global changes have a profound impact on the traditional division of the international system into First, Second and Third Worlds. This volume provides major theoretical analysis of these trends, as well as in-depth case-studies that explore specific developments.