Focusing on the interplay between sociology, politics, and economics, this book examines growth and development in both developed and developing regions. Volker Bornschier highlights how sociopolitical factors significantly influence economic changes, providing a comprehensive analysis of the dynamics at play in the Old and New Worlds.
The book delves into the transformative societal models of the Western world, particularly during the tumultuous decade from 1985 to 1995, marked by significant events like Third World debt crises and the collapse of the Soviet Union. Bornschier introduces evolutionary conflict theory to explore social transformation, focusing on the emergence and dissolution of social order, cohesion, and progress. It critically analyzes various institutional spheres, including technology, the market, and social movements, to address fundamental questions about the structure and evolution of Western society.