The Ivory Coast at the Semi-Periphery of the World-Economy

Abstract

World-system theorists posit that semi-peripheral states, exhibiting a set of specific characteristics, occupy a critical position between the core and the periphery in the world-economy. The characteristics of the Ivory Coast and its role in the world-economy are evaluated to determine whether that country is a member of the semi-periphery. Under conditions of economic growth, sector but not trading-partner diversification occurred. The political leadership played a strong role in promoting state-supported capitalism, and politicization of societal cleavages was averted. France played a critical role in facilitating the movement of the Ivory Coast toward the semi-periphery. The interests of French business and political elites and the Ivorian political leadership coincided. Yet under conditions of economic decline, contrary to the expectations of world-system theorists, trade has not been reoriented, societal division has been exacerbated, and strong state policies have altered the trend. The Ivory Coast's economic dependence on the core has been accentuated (debt crisis) and its economic prowess and leadership position vis-à-vis its periphery weakened. Hence, generalizations regarding the permanence of the Ivory Coast's position in the semi-periphery may be problematic.