Theory and Practice of Third World Solidarity

This study examines the development of Third World solidarity within the broader historical context of changing hegemonic power systems, from Pax Britannia to Pax Americana. Thomas focuses on the political, economic, and racial structures that are fundamental to hegemonic supremacy over peripheral and semiperipheral states, and he analyzes the divergent modes of Third World incorporation (subordination) into the world system. He concludes that the racial structure of global apartheid that dominated the world system during the colonial period is re-emerging under the rubric of a New World Order.

Examines the development of Third World solidarity as a reaction to the historic hegemony of the developed world.

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Thomas (Africana studies and political science, Binghamton U.) studies four generations of growing solidarity among Third World states: Afro-Asianism in the 1950s, nonalignment during the Cold War, the South versus the North in the 1970s, and South-South dialogue during the era of global restructuring. He explains that the base of solidarity has matured from race and geography to economic disadvantage. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

DARRYL C. THOMAS is Assistant Professor of Political Science at the State University of New York at Binghamton.