Quote Originally Posted by Madhu View Post
Cheeky thought: Is the Barnett Gap-Core model kind of modernization theory or one of its off-shoots, too?
I think you might have to stretch it a bit to say that the Gap-Core model is a kind of modernization theory. It is probably closer to Huntington's "Clash of Civilization" than it is to Lipset or Lerner's Modernization theories. In my opinion Modernization involves a change in the nature of the society based on changes in either social complexity and/or economic growth associated with industrialization. It assumes a teleological progression towards a common cultural standard (which happens to be Western Capitalist Liberal Democracy). The Core-Gap distinction does not care what political or economical system you use -- all that matters is, are you tied into the global economic/communications systems. Under modernization China will eventually transition to Capitalism and Democracy. It is therefore a potentially unstable area that could see revolution in the future. Under Barnett we don't really need to worry about China, they are plugged in. They will not risk screwing up the system they are a part of. The two ideas are actually not in conflict, they are separate ideas. But they do identify the potential for future conflicts in different areas for different reasons.