Contemporary Problem of Uneven Social Development in the Context of Dependence Theory

The article is devoted to the analysis of the specifics of dependence theory, as one of the key interdisciplinary research areas within the framework of world-system analysis, through the prism of socio-philosophical issues of explaining the unevenness of social development. The study characterizes the contribution of this theory to the development of social and humanitarian knowledge, reveals the features of the conceptual ideas of its main representatives, and provides opinions regarding the main problems for the modern transformation of the world-systems and the relationship of its structural elements (core – semi-periphery – periphery). At the same time, the authors also revealed the controversial aspects of the considered theory, emphasizing the problems posed by its supporters for promising scientific development. It is concluded that dependency theory is one of the key interdisciplinary research areas within the framework of neo-Marxism, focusing on the problem of uneven social development in various countries and regions of the world, which has played a significant role in the critical understanding of linear-stage approaches to the dynamics of capitalism and the formation of a world-systemic approach to the analysis of the world-historical process. Reflecting the initially specific Latin American socio-historical context, this theory, which emphasizes the importance of nationally and regionally oriented solutions to development problems, has had a significant impact on the intellectual landscape in the "Third World" countries as a whole. It is shown that in modern conditions the relevance and demand for the potential of the theoretical ideas considered is determined both by the preservation of the relevant issues and the importance of analyzing the role of non-classical subjects, taking into account various, including implicit, forms of dependence in the context of international relations and national development practices, as well as consistent criticism of universalistic approaches to the problems of global development.