In
World Systems Theory, the
periphery countries (sometimes referred to as just
the periphery) are those that are less developed than the
semi-periphery and
core countries. These countries usually receive
a disproportionately small share of global wealth. They have weak state institutions and are dependent on – according to some, exploited by – more developed countries. These countries are usually behind because of obstacles such as lack of technology, unstable government, and poor education and health systems. In some instances, the exploitation of periphery countries' agriculture, cheap labor, and natural resources aid core countries in remaining dominant. This is best described by
dependency theory, which is one
theory on how
globalization can affect the world and the countries in it. It is, however, possible for periphery countries to rise out of their status and move into semi-periphery or core status. This can be done by doing things such as
industrializing, stabilizing the government, etc.