The concept of the
First World first originated during the
Cold War, when it was used to describe countries with whom the
United States was aligned. These countries were
democratic and
capitalistic. Since its original definition, the term
First World has come to be largely synonymous with that of
developed countries, or
highly developed countries (depending on which definition is being used). In general, First World countries have very advanced economies and very high
Human Development Indexes. The
United Nations defines the First World on the basis of its wealth: its
gross national product (GNP). This being said, the definition of
First World is now less concrete than it was during the
Cold War.
Global dynamics between the First World and the rest of the world were essentially split into two. Relationships with theSecond World were competitive, ideological and hostile. Relationships withThird World countries were normally positive in theory, while some were quite negative in practice (such as with the practice ofproxy war). Present inter-world relationships are not so rigid, although there is a disparity in terms of the First World having more influence, wealth, information and advancements than the other worlds.Globalization is an increasingly important phenomenon which has been fueled largely by the First World and its connections with the other worlds. An example of globalization within the First World is theEuropean Union which has brought much cooperation and integration to the region.Multinational corporations also provide examples of the First World's impact on globalization, as they have brought economic, political and social integration in many countries. With the rise of the multinational corporation, the problem ofoutsourcing has risen in many First World countries.
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