ABSTRACT
Although its basic structure has remained intact, some aspects of the world-system have varied over time. These changes constitute system "dynamics". The study of dynamics from a world-system perspective is an attempt to create a theory of modern history - that is, a historically specific account of social change in the modern era. The central imperative of a capitalist economy is the constant effort to accumulate more capital. A primary means by which capitalists can do so is to increase the exploitation of workers. Broadening refers to the spread of capitalist economic activities into new geographic areas. Deepening refers to the extension of capitalist economic relationships to more aspects of life within societies already in the world-system. World-system theorists believe that the world-economy has gone and through times of rapid growth alternating with periods of stagnation. Kondratieff cycles may occur within the context of longer-term economic fluctuations called "logistics".
