Theories for the growth of superpowers

Question 1

Modernisation theory – Rostow 5 stage model 1960s

Answer 1

Stage 1: Traditional society
Stage 2: Transitional stage: specialisation, infrastructure
Stage 3: Take off: industrialisation
Stage 4: Drive to maturity: diversification, innovation
Stage 5: High mass consumption

Question 2

Dependency Theory – Frank 1971

Answer 2

Countries become more dependent upon more powerful, frequently colonial powers, as a result in interaction and development. This is because the colonial power often exploits the resources of its weaker colony as the colony becomes more dependent upon it. However, the rise of the NICs argues against this as they are examples of countries that have developed, however some of these did
receive huge economic support and aid from the USA.

Question 3

World Systems Theory – Wallenstein 1974

Answer 3

This treated the whole world as a single unit broken down into the core (MEDCs), periphery (LEDCs) and the semi-periphery. It also allowed change to take place as countries began to develop.