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

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

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