Examines the characteristics and interpretation of the poor world/rich world divide. Traces the relationships between the rich world from 1945 to the present focusing on the international division of labour, militarism, the roles of finance capital, multinationals and the multilateral agencies, and the attempts of some societies to escape the 'poverty trap'. Countries will be examined to see if they can serve as models, as well as development predictions about countries like Brazil, Russia, India and China will be examined. The role of women, minorities and issues such as the environment in development will be considered.