Milestones in the making of the third world: A historical exposition

Abstract

Before the 18^th century, the word was not categorized in any form but just the universe. This exposition has however shown that from the 18^th century, certain events in Europe led to the categorization of the world into a two-world order as first and second (civilized vs. primitive) and later into a three-world order as 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd world. The exposition has identified the milestones that led to this categorization as colonialism, neo-colonialism, imperialism and ideological war (cold war). The exposition has noted that due to the collapse of the Soviet bloc, the world was pushed back to a dualistic status- North and South. However, as the North and South dialogue was gaining momentum, globalization came onto the scene and pushed the world back to a one-world order- the global village.