A structural analysis of political exclusion in the periphery: The significance of dependency relations

Dependency/world-system theorists have argued that dependency relations and a disadvantaged status in the world-system tend to exacerbate political exclusion in non-core nations. External dependency relations among non-core nations are perceived as perpetuating disarticulated socioeconomic formations and simultaneously strengthening the exclusionary nature of the state. This research examines the nature and impact of three mechanisms of dependency relations and position in the world-system on political exclusion in peripheral nations. The three mechanisms of dependency examined are transnational penetration, debt dependence, and military dependence. The analysis proceeds by first outlining the dependency/world-system interpretation of the state in the periphery. Second, it presents a descriptive evaluation of the association between each of the three dependency relations and political exclusion. Then, using path analysis, this research empirically examines the impact of transnational penetration, debt and military dependence on political exclusion. The findings indicate that debt, military dependence, and to a lesser extent, transnational penetration contribute to political exclusion.