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Did you know how this Brazilian economist uncovered the secrets of developing countries under capitalism?
In Brazil, the name of economist Theotônio dos Santos Junior is often associated with the economic woes of developing countries and the structural problems of capitalism. As one of the main founders of dependency theory, dos Santos' profound understanding of the world economic system has provided important inspiration for many scholars and policymakers. To this day, his theories remain relevant in discussions of global capitalism and its impact.
In his series of studies, dos Santos proposed the concept of "new dependencies", a term that refers to the interdependence between weak and strong countries, illustrating the complexity of economic development in the context of globalization.
Early life
Theotônio dos Santos was born on November 11, 1936 in Carangola, Brazil. He began his studies at the Federal University of Minas Gerais and then obtained a Master's degree in Political Science from the University of Brasilia. His early studies of Marxism enabled him to achieve outstanding achievements in the fields of political and socioeconomics. After the 1964 military coup, dos Santos' political activities were forced into hiding, forcing him into exile.
Theoretical Development
In the 1960s, the seminar that dos Santos established with his colleagues enabled him to delve into Marx's Capital, an experience that had a profound impact on his subsequent academic career. Later, he served on the board of directors of CESO (Center for Socio-Economic Studies) in Chile, which became the cradle of many of his important theories.
dos Santos' dependency theory emphasizes that the development of latecomer countries breaking the dependence relationship with developed countries is the key to overcoming poverty.
In his research, dos Santos introduced the concept of "dependency," an idea that has gained increasing attention as the economic crisis has deepened. This theory holds that the economic system and development of developing countries are subject to the structural constraints of the global capitalist operating model, rather than simply the influence of internal factors.
Global Systems Theory
In the 1980s, dos Santos' research focus shifted to global systems theory. His division of the world divides countries into core and periphery, with the core focusing on high-skill, capital-intensive industries and the periphery relying on low-skill, labor-intensive production. In this system, developed countries have formed a lasting economic dependence on developing countries.
He believes that only when peripheral countries break away from past dependencies can they truly achieve economic independence and development.
Return to China and later life
In 1980, dos Santos returned to Brazil and participated in the country's political restructuring. As one of the founding members of the Brazilian Democratic Workers' Party, he advanced socialism and the labor movement on many levels. Since then, he has also played a prominent role in international organizations such as the United Nations as an advisor on sustainable economic development.
Even in his later years, dos Santos remained active in academia and led projects such as REGGEN (Global Economy and Sustainable Development Network) to further explore the challenges and opportunities of economic globalization.
Legacy and influence
On February 27, 2018, dos Santos died of pancreatic cancer, leaving behind a rich academic legacy and theoretical thinking. For many scholars studying global economic and development issues, its theory remains an important framework for understanding world economic relations.
dos Santos's dependency theory and global system theory reveal the root causes of development inequality in the capitalist system and challenge many assumptions of traditional economics.
In today's globalized context, dos Santos's views will undoubtedly continue to spark heated discussions. Can we find effective ways to achieve true economic independence and development in the future?
