Causes and consequences of uneven development at the global scale and within one low income country (LIC) and one newly industrialised country (NIC)

Causes and consequences of uneven development at the global

scale and within one low income country (LIC) and one newly industrialised country (NIC)

Causes of Uneven Development at Global Scale

Historical Factors

  • Colonialism: Many LICs were once colonised and exploited for their resources by wealthier nations, leading to lingering economic and social disadvantages.

  • Conflict and Political Instability: Nation-wide conflicts and political change have hampered development in many countries, leading to uneven global development.

Geographical Factors

  • Access to Natural Resources: Countries rich in valuable natural resources, e.g., oil, are often more developed.

  • Location: Some nations are landlocked or located in areas vulnerable to natural disasters, which may hinder their development.

Economic Factors

  • Trade Barriers: High tariffs and export taxes can disadvantage LICs in the global market.

  • Debt: Developing countries often incur significant debts that can hold back overall economic development.

Consequences of Uneven Development at Global Scale

Migration

  • Economic Migration: People often move from LICs to wealthier nations in search of better opportunities, which can lead to changes in demographic profiles and potential social tension.

Global Inequality

  • Wealth Disparities: Uneven development can result in stark differences in wealth and living standards around the world.

Environmental Impact

  • Sustainability: The rush to develop can lead to environmental degradation, impacting sustainability efforts.

Causes and Consequences within a LIC and a NIC

LIC: Ethiopia

  • Ethiopia has faced challenges such as political instability, severe droughts, and being landlocked.

  • This has resulted in a largely rural and farming-based economy, with a high poverty rate and dependence on foreign aid.

  • However, recent advancements in infrastructure and manufacturing are slowly driving development.

NIC: India

  • The liberalisation of the economy in the 1990s allowed for rapid growth in India, moving it into the NIC category.

  • Despite the growth, there is significant disparity, with wealth concentrated in urban areas, leaving rural regions impoverished.

  • Rapid industrialisation has also led to environmental challenges, including air and water pollution.