Global Divides: The North and the South (focus on Latin America)

The world has been divided in various ways over time. Initially, countries were categorized into
first, second, and third world groups based on historical factors. More recently, they've been
classified into the Global North and Global South, mainly according to their wealth and
development levels.
Before the Global North and Global South categories, countries fell into three main groups:
 First World: Countries allied with the U.S. and embracing capitalism.
 Second World: Former Soviet Union allies following communist ideology.
 Third World: Non-aligned and typically underdeveloped nations.
After the Cold War, the term "second world" faded. The Cold War, a political and economic
struggle between the U.S. and the Soviet Union, was often depicted as a nuclear standoff. The
Global North includes developed societies like Europe, North America, Australia, South Africa,
and Israel. Characteristics of Northern countries include democracy, wealth, technological
advancement, political stability, aging populations, and control in global affairs.
In contrast, the Global South comprises agrarian economies in regions like Africa, India, China,
and Latin America. These nations face challenges like political unrest, poverty, and dictatorship.
The term "global north" mainly refers to first world countries, while "global south" encompasses
former third world nations. The Brandt line, proposed in 1980, roughly divides the world by per-
capita GDP, showing wealthier countries in the north and poorer ones in the south, with some
exceptions like Australia and New Zealand. However, economic shifts over time have blurred
this divide.