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boris_keys t1_ixn6mse wrote

Reply to comment by Lutoures in Brazil's electoral court rejects Bolsonaro election challenge by vitorgrs

Technically “first” and “third” world is an antiquated Cold War classification. “Developing” and “developed” nations is used more today.

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Lutoures t1_ixn9qtg wrote

Yes, well-remembered. Although I still dislike also this classification, as it implies that the model of development in the richer nations of Europe and North America is the model for all humanity, and the other countries are only "late" at achieving them. This is problematic for two reasons:

  1. Much of the characteristics seen as "underdevelopments" were actually set in the international system for the benefit of the richer countries.
  2. There may be more than one vision of what "development means" beyond the general well-being of people. Different countries, different cultures, different needs to be satisfied.

I still think the best option is stop using those dualistic definitions and embrace categories that recognize better the history, culture and diversity of different groups of nations.

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