What is a common characteristic of countries identified as periphery in World Systems Theory?

Countries identified as periphery in World Systems Theory are characterized by their role in the global economy, particularly in their economic dependency and production activities. One of the defining traits of periphery countries is that they primarily export raw materials and natural resources to core countries, which are more economically developed and technologically advanced. These periphery nations often have economies that are less diversified and heavily reliant on the export of these unprocessed or semi-processed goods.

This pattern of economic activity reflects the structural inequalities laid out in World Systems Theory, where core nations benefit from the resources of periphery nations while investing less in their development. The reliance on exporting raw materials can lead to vulnerabilities in economic stability and growth for these periphery countries, as they may lack the resources or infrastructure to process these materials domestically or to develop more complex industries.

In contrast, the characteristics associated with core countries include their control over global resources, high levels of technological development, and roles as centers for innovation and research, further emphasizing the disparities in the global economic system.