Immanuel Wallerstein is widely recognized as the founder of World Systems Theory, which he developed in the 1970s.

The core, periphery, and semi-periphery are the three main zones in World Systems Theory. Buffer zone is not a term used in this theory.

The core zone in World Systems Theory is characterized by high levels of industrialization, technological advancement, and economic power.

The periphery zone in World Systems Theory is characterized by low levels of industrialization, technological backwardness, and economic dependence.

The semi-periphery zone in World Systems Theory is characterized by a mix of core and periphery characteristics, often serving as a bridge between the two.

According to World Systems Theory, the relationship between the core and periphery is characterized by exploitation and dependency, with the core extracting resources and wealth from the periphery.

Unequal exchange is the concept in World Systems Theory that refers to the process by which the core accumulates wealth and power at the expense of the periphery through unfair trade practices.

Systemic reproduction is the concept in World Systems Theory that refers to the idea that the global economy is a self-regulating system that tends to reproduce and reinforce existing inequalities.

World-system hierarchy is the concept in World Systems Theory that refers to the idea that the global economy is divided into a hierarchy of nation-states, with some states dominating others.

Kondratieff waves is the concept in World Systems Theory that refers to the idea that the global economy is characterized by long cycles of expansion and contraction, typically lasting 40-60 years.

Capitalist world-economy is the concept in World Systems Theory that refers to the idea that the global economy is driven by the pursuit of profit and accumulation, leading to the expansion and concentration of capital.

International division of labor is the concept in World Systems Theory that refers to the idea that the global economy is characterized by a division of labor between different regions and countries, with some specializing in certain industries or activities.

Combined and uneven development is the concept in World Systems Theory that refers to the idea that the global economy is characterized by a process of uneven development, with some regions and countries experiencing faster growth and development than others.

Globalization is the concept in World Systems Theory that refers to the idea that the global economy is characterized by a process of globalization, with increasing interconnectedness and interdependence among different regions and countries.

Commodification is the concept in World Systems Theory that refers to the idea that the global economy is characterized by a process of commodification, with increasing transformation of goods and services into commodities for exchange.