GLOBAL MIGRATION
First World
- referred to countries aligned with the United States and its allies including Western Europe, Japan, Canada, and
Australia, most of Western Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.
- These countries were generally democratic and capitalist with established industrial economies.
Second World
- referred to countries aligned with the Soviet Union and its allies mainly in Eastern Europe like East Germany, Poland
as well as other communist states like China and Cuba.
- These countries followed a socialist or communist economic model, emphasizing state ownership and central
planning.
Third World
- This category was more diverse, consisting of countries that were not explicitly aligned with either the U.S. or the
Soviet Union. Many Third World countries were former colonies that gained independence during this period.
- They were generally less industrialized, with varying levels of development and political systems.
- Countries in Africa, Latin America, and parts of Asia, such as India, Brazil, and Nigeria.
Characteristics CATEGORIES OF COUNTRIES
First World Second World Third World
Generally democratic, with Primarily single-party, Diverse, ranging from
multiparty systems and authoritarian governments democracies to
Political System regular elections. under socialist or communist dictatorships; often
systems. developing stable
governance systems post-
independence.
Capitalist and industrialized State-controlled economies Predominantly agrarian or in
economies, with a strong with central planning, where the early stages of
emphasis on free markets production and distribution industrialization, with limited
Economy and private ownership. were regulated by the capital and infrastructure.
government rather than the Many of these countries
free market. relied heavily on exports of
raw materials.
High living standards, with Varied but generally lower They are generally lower
advanced infrastructure, than the First World, with than First and Second-
healthcare, and education limited consumer goods and World countries, with higher
systems. often shortages in basic poverty rates and limited
Living Standards services, though some access to healthcare,
countries had high literacy education, and sanitation.
and healthcare standards
due to state provision.
High levels of technological Moderate levels of Less technologically
development and technological development, advanced, with lower levels
innovation. especially in military and of industrialization and less
Technology heavy industry, but often access to modern
lagging the First World in infrastructure.
consumer technologies.
Post-American World
- is a concept popularized by political analyst Fareed Zakaria in his 2008 book of the same name.
- it describes a world where the United States is no longer the sole dominant global power.
- describes a future where global power is more distributed, requiring the U.S. to collaborate and compete with rising
powers rather than dominate unilaterally.
- Instead of a world where American influence is supreme, power and influence are spread across multiple countries
and non-state actors, leading to a more multipolar and interconnected global landscape.
Key points to understand the Post-American Period
Shift from Unipolarity The era after the Cold War initially saw the U.S. as the leading power, later there are other
to Multipolarity nations have emerged like China, India, and Brazil, and have grown economically, politically,
and militarily, reducing the U.S.'s unilateral influence.
Rise of Non-Western Countries in Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America have gained significant global influence,
Powers changing the power balance that Western countries once dominated.
Diffusion of Power to Power is not only shifting among states but also moving towards corporations, international
Non-State Actors organizations, and even individual actors who influence global politics, trade, technology, and
culture.
Economic In this world, economic power and trade connections are more interdependent. Emerging
Globalization economies are now major drivers of global growth, making the world economy less reliant on
the U.S. alone.
Cooperation and The post-American world emphasizes cooperation in global issues like climate change and
Competition health but also brings more competition for resources, technological leadership, and influence.
Samuel Huntington – political scientist
- Asian countries were growing stronger in economic, political, and military terms during this period. As a result, the
balance of power became more fluid and less stable, with rising powers challenging the established order.
- This era also changed the way countries were categorized. Instead of using Cold War terms like First, Second, and
Third World countries were increasingly described as "developed" or "developing," based on their economic progress
and level of industrialization.
Characteristics of Developed Countries (United States, Germany, Japan, Canada, Australia)
High-Income Levels Developed countries have high per capita income and wealth distribution. Most of their
citizens have access to a good standard of living, including housing, healthcare, and
education.
Advanced Infrastructure have well-developed infrastructure, such as modern transportation networks, clean water
supply, reliable electricity, and extensive digital connectivity.
Industrialized Economy Economies are generally diversified, with a strong focus on high-value industries like
technology, finance, manufacturing, and services. Agriculture typically forms a small part of
the economy.
High Human Development Have scored high on the HDI, which includes factors like life expectancy, education level,
Index (HDI) and income per capita.
Stable Political and Social Most developed countries have stable governance systems, the rule of law, and low levels
Systems of corruption, which support overall social and economic stability.
Access to Quality Citizens generally have access to high-quality healthcare, reducing disease rates, and
Healthcare and Education improving life expectancy. Education systems are robust, with high literacy rates and
access to higher education.
Environmental Most developed countries invest in environmental protections, though they may also be high
Sustainability Measures consumers of resources. Policies often include pollution control, renewable energy, and
conservation efforts
Characteristics of Developing Countries (India, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Brazil, and Kenya)
Lower Income Levels often have lower GDP per capita and higher poverty rates, with significant portions of the
population living on limited income.
Underdeveloped Infrastructure may be limited or unevenly distributed, with challenges in transportation,
Infrastructure electricity, sanitation, and internet connectivity. Many rural areas lack modern infrastructure.
Economy in Transition Many developing countries rely on agriculture and raw material exports. They may have
growing industrial sectors but often lack a fully diversified economy.
Lower Human have lower HDI scores due to shorter life expectancies, limited educational opportunities,
Development Index (HDI) and lower income levels.
Political and Social Developing countries may experience political instability, corruption, or social unrest,
Instability hindering economic and social development.
Limited Access to Limited access to quality healthcare and education, especially in rural areas. This results in
Healthcare and Education higher disease rates, lower life expectancy, and lower literacy rates.
Environmental Challenges face challenges in balancing economic growth with environmental conservation, often
dealing with issues like deforestation, pollution, and resource depletion without strong
policies to counter them.
Samuel Huntington's concept of Eight Global Civilizations
- comes from his 1996 book The Clash of Civilizations.
- He argues that as the world became more interconnected, nations and cultures grouped into broad civilizations based
on shared history, religion, and cultural values.
- This trend, he suggested, would shape international relations and conflicts more than ideological or economic
differences.
Huntington’s Eight Global Civilizations
Encompasses North America, Western Europe, and parts of Oceania. It’s characterized by a
Western Civilization shared history of Christianity, democratic governance, and a focus on individualism and
capitalism.
Latin American Includes Central and South America, with influences from both indigenous cultures and European
Civilization colonization, especially Spanish and Portuguese. It has a strong Catholic heritage and often
blends Western and indigenous traditions.
It covers the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Asia. This civilization is unified by Islam, but
Islamic Civilization it includes diverse ethnicities and regional cultures, from Arabs to Persians and Turks.
Sinic (Chinese) Centered around China and influenced by Confucianism, Taoism, and other traditional Chinese
Civilization philosophies. It includes areas culturally influenced by China, such as Vietnam and parts of
Southeast Asia.
Primarily represented by India and Nepal, characterized by Hinduism and related cultural
Hindu Civilization traditions. It also includes elements of Indian philosophy and practices that have spread to other
parts of Asia.
Orthodox Includes Eastern Europe and Russia, primarily characterized by the Eastern Orthodox Church and
Civilization cultural ties that differ from Western Europe. Countries like Russia, Greece, and Serbia are part
of this civilization.
Japanese Considered unique and distinct due to Japan’s historical isolation, with cultural and religious
Civilization practices like Shinto and Buddhism, which differ significantly from China and other Asian cultures.
Encompasses Sub-Saharan Africa, known for its ethnic and cultural diversity. Huntington
African Civilization recognized this region as somewhat distinct but noted the challenge in defining it as a single
civilization due to its vast diversity in languages, traditions, and religions.
Cosmopolitanism
- is a concept that envisions a global community where people see themselves as part of a single, interconnected
world.
- According to political theorist Andrew Heywood (2011), cosmopolitanism initially meant the belief in a "world state" –
a global system where international unity and cooperation are prioritized over individual national interests.
- This idea gained momentum with the growth of globalization starting in the 1950s.
- Modern cosmopolitanism does not, however, imply a one-world government. Instead, it highlights moral obligations,
tolerance for cultural differences, and common human values. Thomas Pogge (2008), a philosopher, distinguished
three key components of cosmopolitanism that emphasize this global perspective.
Three Elements of Cosmopolitanism
Individualism
- This principle asserts that individuals, not nations or groups, are the primary units of moral concern. It means every
person’s rights, dignity, and needs matter equally, regardless of nationality or background.
Universality
- Universality emphasizes that these moral obligations extend universally, across all people and places.
Cosmopolitanism promotes equal respect and consideration for everyone, recognizing our common humanity.
Generality
- Generality calls for a global approach to justice and ethics, where principles apply universally rather than being limited
by borders. It advocates for standards and policies that benefit all people, supporting global cooperation on issues
like human rights, climate change, and migration.
The Role of Migration
- Migration plays a crucial role in cosmopolitanism by creating more diverse and interconnected societies.
- As people move across borders, they bring cultural exchange, new ideas, and greater empathy among different
populations, contributing to a global sense of unity and mutual respect.
- Cosmopolitanism encourages us to view migration as a pathway to building a more inclusive world that respects
diverse identities and fosters international cooperation.
Migration
- refers to the movement of people from one place to another, often across borders, and is influenced by social,
economic, and political factors. It shapes and is shaped by broader societal and economic changes. Here’s a
summary of key definitions, factors, and categories of migration:
- The International Migration Institute (2011) defines migration as a social behavior that both influences and is
influenced by wider social and economic structures and transformations.
- Boswell (2002) defines migration as not only about economic benefits but is also a political process, impacted by
policy decisions and societal dynamics.
Reasons People Migrate
1. Social Inequality – disparities in access to resources and opportunities push people to seek better conditions
elsewhere.
2. Economic Depression – economic hardship or lack of job opportunities drives people to move to regions with better
economic prospects.
3. Freedom Deprivation – lack of personal freedoms, often due to oppressive regimes or conflict, forces people to
leave in search of safety and rights.
❖ Cosmopolitanism, with its emphasis on equality and moral responsibility, plays a role in addressing the issues that
drive migration. By promoting fairness and integrity, it can help reduce the inequalities and deprivations that push
people to migrate.
Types of Migration According to Henry Nau (2009)
Forced Migration
- This includes refugees and asylum seekers, people who flee their countries to escape war, persecution, or
environmental disasters.
- also encompasses people displaced by large development projects like dams or factories.
Voluntary Economic Migration
- This occurs when individuals choose to move to new places to pursue better economic opportunities, rather than due
to immediate safety concerns.
Refugee
- defined as people living outside their home country who cannot return because of a well-founded fear of persecution
based on race, religion, nationality, social group, or political opinion. Refugee organizations like the United Nations
High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) differentiate refugees from other migrants due to the specific protections
they need.
❖ Each migration type has unique challenges and impacts on both the individuals who migrate and the communities
they join. Migration contributes to cultural diversity, economic exchange, and interconnectedness in today’s world,
but it also highlights the need for supportive and inclusive policies in receiving countries.
