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Nigeria's free digital learning hub. Videos, lecture notes, practice questions and leaderboards aligned with CCMAS, NBTE, NCCE, WAEC, NECO, IJMB and JAMB curricula.
Political Science · 300 Level
This is the complete lecture note for POL308 Politics of Development and Under-Development, prepared for Political Science students at 300 Level. You can read it online below, open it in the full viewer, or download the PDF for offline study. It pairs with the course's video lectures, so you can read and watch together.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS • Course code: POL 308 • Course title: Politics of Development and Under-Development • Course credit load: 2 SERIES 1: Classifications of States and Development Theories Series outline This Series will be organised into three main Parts, each with relevant Sub-Parts to ensure clarity and depth: 1.1 Foundations of State Classification 1.1.1 Criteria for Classifying States 1.1.2 Developed, Developing, and Underdeveloped States 1.2 Theories of Development and Underdevelopment 1.2.1 Modernisation Theory 1.2.2 Dependency Theory 1.2.3 World Systems Theory 1.3 Comparative Perspectives on Development 1.3.1 Key Differences in Developmental Experiences 1.3.2 Implications for Africa, Asia, and Latin America Introduction Development is one of the most debated concepts in political science and international relations. Countries are often grouped into categories such as developed, developing, or underdeveloped, and these classifications shape how we perceive global progress and inequality. Understanding the basis of these classifications is crucial, as they influence policies, international relations, and the strategies nations adopt to improve the welfare of their citizens. This Series will help you
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS appreciate why such distinctions exist and how they connect to broader theories of development and underdevelopment. The aim of this Series is to equip you with the ability to explain the rationale behind state classifications and to critically analyse the major theories that account for differences in development across nations. We shall commence this Series by examining the foundations of state classification, focusing on the criteria used to distinguish between developed, developing, and underdeveloped states. Next, we will explore contending theories of development and underdevelopment, including modernisation theory, dependency theory, and world systems theory. Finally, we will wrap up by considering comparative perspectives, highlighting key differences in developmental experiences across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, and reflecting on their implications for understanding global inequalities. Series Learning Outcomes Upon completing this Series, you should be able to: SLO 1.1 define the key criteria used to classify states into developed, developing, and underdeveloped categories, SLO 1.2 explain the distinguishing features of developed, developing, and underdeveloped states, SLO 1.3 analyse the main arguments of modernisation theory in relation to development, SLO 1.4 evaluate the central claims of dependency theory and its critique of global inequality, SLO 1.5 describe the structure of world systems theory and its implications for state classification, and SLO 1.6 compare the developmental experiences of Africa, Asia, and Latin America, highlighting key differences and their political significance. 1.1 Foundations Of State Classification 1.1.1 Criteria for classifying states When scholars and policymakers discuss state classification, they are referring to the systematic grouping of countries based on measurable indicators of development. State classification means the process of categorising nations according to economic, social, and political benchmarks such as income levels, industrialisation, literacy rates, healthcare provision, and governance structures. These criteria help us to distinguish between countries that have achieved high standards of living and those still striving to meet basic developmental needs.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS One common measure is Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita, which indicates the average income of citizens. Another is the Human Development Index (HDI), a composite measure that considers life expectancy, education, and income. Political stability and institutional strength are also important, since development is not only about wealth but also about how effectively a state manages resources and delivers services. Fill in the blank: A widely used composite measure of development that considers life expectancy, education, and income is called __________. Diagram showing indicators used in state classification (GDP per capita, HDI, literacy rates, political stability). Caption: Figure 1.1 Indicators for classifying states. 1.1.2 Developed, developing, and underdeveloped states A developed state is a country characterised by high levels of industrialisation, advanced infrastructure, strong institutions, and high standards of living. Examples include nations in Western Europe and North America. These states typically enjoy political stability, technological innovation, and robust social welfare systems. A developing state refers to a country that is in transition, striving to improve economic performance and social conditions. These states often experience rapid urbanisation, growing industries, and expanding education systems, but they may still face challenges such as poverty, inequality, and weak governance. An underdeveloped state is one where economic growth is minimal, infrastructure is poor, and social indicators such as literacy and healthcare are low. Many postcolonial states in Africa and parts of Asia and Latin America fall into this category, often due to historical exploitation and structural dependency.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Fill in the blank: A country characterised by high industrialisation, advanced infrastructure, and strong institutions is classified as __________. Image showing contrasting urban landscapes: a modern developed city versus an underdeveloped rural settlement. Caption: Plate 1.1 Contrasting features of developed and underdeveloped states. Pilot questions 1.1 Which indicators are commonly used to classify states into categories of development? What does GDP per capita measure? Define the term “developed state”. Identify one major challenge faced by developing states. Which category of states is often associated with historical exploitation and structural dependency? 1.2 Theories Of Development And Underdevelopment 1.2.1 Modernisation theory Modernisation theory refers to the idea that societies progress through a series of stages, moving from traditional to modern forms of organisation. It assumes that economic growth, industrialisation, and the adoption of modern values will eventually lead to development. Scholars such as Walt Rostow proposed a “stages of growth” model, beginning with traditional society and culminating in high mass consumption.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS This theory places emphasis on internal factors such as education, technology, and cultural change. It suggests that underdeveloped states can achieve development by following the path already taken by developed nations. However, critics argue that it overlooks historical exploitation and external constraints. Fill in the blank: The theory that assumes societies progress from traditional to modern forms of organisation is called __________. Diagram showing Rostow’s stages of growth (traditional society, preconditions for take-off, take-off, drive to maturity, age of high mass consumption). Caption: Figure 1.2 Rostow’s stages of economic growth. 1.2.2 Dependency theory Dependency theory argues that underdevelopment is not simply a stage before development but a condition created by historical and structural relationships between nations. It highlights how resources flow from poor states to wealthy ones, enriching the latter while impoverishing the former. This theory emerged strongly in Latin America during the 1960s and 1970s, as scholars sought to explain persistent inequality despite efforts at modernisation. Dependency theorists emphasise the role of colonialism and neo-colonialism in shaping global economic structures. They argue that developing states remain dependent on developed ones for capital, technology, and markets, which perpetuates inequality. Fill in the blank: The theory that explains underdevelopment as a result of structural relationships between wealthy and poor nations is called __________.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Box 1.1 Key features of dependency theory 1.2.3 World systems theory World systems theory, developed by Immanuel Wallerstein, builds on dependency theory but provides a broader framework. It divides the world into core, semi-periphery, and periphery regions. The core consists of highly industrialised and wealthy states, the semi-periphery includes emerging economies, and the periphery comprises underdeveloped states that supply raw materials and cheap labour. This theory emphasises that the global economic system is interconnected, and development in one region often depends on exploitation in another. It also highlights the dynamic movement of states between categories over time. Fill in the blank: In world systems theory, countries that provide raw materials and cheap labour are classified as __________.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Table 1.1 Categories in world systems theory Pilot questions 1.2 Who proposed the stages of growth model in modernisation theory? What does dependency theory argue about the relationship between wealthy and poor nations? Which theory divides the world into core, semi-periphery, and periphery? According to dependency theory, what historical factor contributes to underdevelopment? In world systems theory, which category includes emerging economies with mixed traits? 1.3 Comparative Perspectives On Development 1.3.1 Key differences in developmental experiences When examining development across regions, it is important to recognise that developmental experiences vary significantly due to historical, cultural, and structural factors. Africa, Asia, and Latin America have all faced unique challenges and opportunities. For instance, many African states continue to grapple with the legacies of colonialism, weak institutions, and dependency on primary commodities. In contrast, several Asian countries, such as South Korea and Singapore, have achieved rapid industrialisation and technological advancement, often referred to as “economic miracles”. Latin America presents a mixed picture, with countries like Brazil and Mexico showing industrial growth but also struggling with inequality and political instability. These differences highlight that development is not a uniform process. Instead, it is shaped by each region’s historical trajectory,
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