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Who is the wise man who deconstructed the theory of global dependence? Why did he change the perspective of the world economy?
In today's globalized world, economists are increasingly exploring international dependence and its impact. In this field, the contribution of Brazilian economist Theotônio dos Santos Junior is particularly important. Not only was he one of the founders of dependency theory, he also played a key role in the development of world-systems theory. His research has changed people's understanding of economic inequality and its root causes, and made us rethink economic relations in the context of globalization.
In dependency theory, "development is not just about economic growth, but also about structural change and how to break the dependency of one country on another."
Early life and academic background
Theotônio dos Santos was born on November 11, 1936 in Carangola, Minas Gerais, Brazil. He began his academic career at the Federal University of Minas Gerais, where he obtained a bachelor's degree in Sociology, Political Science and Public Administration. He then obtained a Master's degree in Political Science from the University of Brasilia. During this time, dos Santos also delved into Marxism and conducted extensive research on economic and social structures.
In the 1960s, he co-founded a seminar with other scholars focused on reading Marx's Capital. This seminar later expanded to Chile, attracting several major interpreters of Marxism and laying the foundation for future dependency theory.
The Formation of Dependency Theory
During Brazil's political drama and subsequent exile, dos Santos developed his theory of dependency. In the 1960s, he and some colleagues proposed an explanation for the economic difficulties of Latin American countries, pointing out that these countries had an unequal relationship with economic powers. This theory holds that dependency forces some countries to seek support from economically powerful countries, thereby deepening their economic inequality.
In 1972 he noted: "The formation of dependency is part of capitalist globalization, not a natural phenomenon between tradition and modernity."
dos Santos' dependency theory came to the forefront in Latin America in the 1970s and became the theoretical basis for reforms in many countries. His description of this theory not only clarifies the economic relationship between countries, but also proposes solutions, arguing that breaking this dependence requires fundamental reform of the political and economic structure.
The Development of World-Systems Theory
Over time, dos Santos began to expand his research into world-systems theory. He believes that this theory can provide people with a more comprehensive perspective to understand the operating model of the international economy. In the 1980s, he conducted an in-depth study of the unequal division of labor between core and periphery countries, which was also far-reaching.
He clearly pointed out: "The development of core countries is based on the exploitation of peripheral countries, which further deepens the global gap between rich and poor."
Political and social impact
Dos Santos' influence is not limited to academia, but also extends to politics. He played an important role in the political movement in the Baltic region, proposed the creation of a new party based on socialism, and participated in various elections. Although he ultimately failed to be elected, his theories still triggered profound reflection in the social movements of the time.
As voices questioning his theories continued to increase, especially with the Chilean coup in 1973, his academic life encountered new challenges. However, his persistence and unremitting efforts have influenced many researchers around the world, prompting people to rethink the roots and consequences of economic dependence.
The future and impact of economics
Theotônio dos Santos passed away in 2018, leaving behind not only his theories but also his profound influence on the economics community. Faced with the challenges brought about by the current process of globalization, his research reminds us that the issue of economic inequality still needs to be addressed.
Before his death, he said: "An international system without fair trade and social justice will never achieve true development."
Dos Santos’s theory challenges our existing understanding of economic structure. Are we brave enough to face these challenges and update our economic understanding?
