Full Answer Section

Unit-level attributes scholars argue that the causes of economic underdevelopment are to be found in the characteristics of individual states. These characteristics include things like political instability, corruption, and a lack of investment in education and infrastructure. These factors make it difficult for states to develop their economies and compete in the global market.

I find the neo-Marxist explanation to be more compelling. It provides a more holistic explanation for economic underdevelopment that takes into account the historical, political, and economic factors that have shaped the current international system. The unit-level attributes explanation is too simplistic and does not account for the way that the global system disadvantages poor states.

However, I believe that both explanations have some merit. The neo-Marxist explanation is helpful in understanding the big picture, but the unit-level attributes explanation can be helpful in understanding the specific challenges that individual states face. Ultimately, I believe that a combination of both explanations is necessary to understand the causes of economic underdevelopment and unequal distribution of wealth among states.