Opposing Viewpoints: The Third World

In Opposing Viewpoints: The Third World, Laura Egendorf provides opposing opinions on the problems facing third world countries, how Third World development can be achieved, the ability for Third World countries to form lasting democracies, and finally what the First World countries role is in the development of the Third World countries. Egendorf concludes that the importance or even existence of overpopulation, production and construction restrictions, poverty, women’s sexual freedom and AIDS is debatable. Concerning Third World development Egendorf discusses the positive and negative effects of free market policies, debt relief or cancellation, and The World Bank. In regards to the Third World’s ability to form lasting democracies Egendorf

weighed the positive and negative effects of imposing American-style democracy, or even establishing democracy at all especially in places such as Latin America whose non-democratic backgrounds could potentially threaten their success. Finally Egendorf discusses the First World nations role in Third World countries. She does so by examining whether United States foreign aid is beneficial or not, whether US should take a more active stance in Africa and whether the United Nations plays a central role in Third World development. Egendorf first discusses the problems facing Third World countries.

Many disagree on the problems they are facing and the solution. In this particular book the topics of overpopulation, restrictions on production and consumption, women’s sexual freedom and AIDS are discussed. Valid arguments are presented on both sides of all arguments. For example in regards to overpopulation, “Roy W. Brown asserts that population growth in developing countries could lead to increased levels of poverty and starvation and thwart further development. On the other hand Peter T. Bauer asserts that, “population increases in less-developed countries … often lead[s] to economic growth.” In the next chapter of the book Egendorf tackles the problem of how can Third World countries development be achieved? She starts by discussing the pros and cons of free-market policies then goes on to debt relief and cancellation and finally the effectiveness of the World Bank’s development programs. Much like in chapter one all arguments have sustainable amounts of

information. In regards to the topic of debt relief or cancellation, “Roger Mahony … asserts that Third World nations cannot develop their economies unless they are given debt relief.” On the other side of the argument Martin Vander Weyer, “argues that over generous debt relief would reward countries that wasted their resources and punish developing nations that have struggled to pay off their debts.” In chapter three Egendorf touches on the possibility of Third World nations forming lasting democracies. Ideas such as imposing American-style democracy, the democracies of Africa, the democratic free countries of Latin America and unchecked power in Latin America are discussed thoroughly.

For example in regards to the ability for democracy to succeed in Africa, “The Economist … asserts that democracy in Africa has been unsuccessful because elections have largely failed to produce a change in democracy” whereas, “ the 1999 elections in Nigeria and South Africa indicate that democracy can be sustained in Africa.” Finally in chapter four Egendorf contemplates the First World nations role in Third World countries. The topics of U.S. foreign aid, U.S.’s role in Africa and the United Nations’ role in third world countries. In regard to U.S. foreign aid, “J. Brian Atwood … argues that foreign aid has helped finance medical and agricultural advances that have led to decreased child mortality and greater crop yields.” On the other hand, “L. Jacobo Rodriguez … argues that, despite the claims of some foreign aid proponents. The postwar economic growth of Europe and Asia was not a result of U.S financial assistance.” Throughout the book Egendorf discusses many highly debatable topics regarding Third World countries and shows substantial evidence to prove both sides of each

argument. Egendorf relies primarily on books published earlier on Third World topics to support her arguments and and establish opposing viewpoints.