In World Systems Theory, which areas maintained their own economic system and largely stayed outside capitalism?

• A. External areas
• B. Core
• C. Semi-periphery
• D. Periphery

Answer: (A)

External areas are the parts of the world that maintain their own economic systems and largely stay outside the capitalist world-economy. In World-Systems Theory, the core, semi-periphery, and periphery are all embedded within this capitalist system, characterized by varying levels of dependence and exploitation. External areas resist or avoid this integration, keeping traditional or non-capitalist arrangements and limited participation in the global exchange. That distinction—being outside the capitalist network while still existing in the global landscape—is what makes external areas the best fit for this question.