What is the origin and meaning of 'the Third World'?

Answer 1

The term "Third World" originated during the Cold War, when several countries (primarily the US and the Soviet Union) were in constant political/economic conflict and competed fiercely with each other. The US and its allies, who were democratic and capitalistic countries, were called the "First World," while the Soviet Union and its affiliated countries were communist and were referred to as the "Second World."

"Third World" was then used to describe all the other neutral or non-aligned (as in, not capitalist or communist) countries. However, in modern times, it is often used to refer to poor or socioeconomically less advanced countries. This is because the US and the Soviet Union competed intensely and made incredible advances in technology/education/etc. during the Cold War, leaving the Third World less advanced relative to them. Additionally, many Third World countries were former colonies, and were left to build their own nations/governments when Imperialism ended, presenting a disadvantage in trying to develop as quickly as the First and Second Worlds.