[AlecSchueler]

> "Developing nations" if you will

I wouldn't, I'm not sure which nations are developing or that they're developing into. Aren't we all developing all the time?

> Whatever terms fancy you, the underlying reality remains the same.

That's great, could you just explain the underlying reality without the loaded terms then?

[amanaplanacanal]

People usually use the term for poorer countries, as opposed to the rich ones. Originally third world meant those not aligned with the USSR or NATO, I believe.

[AlecSchueler]

I get the meaning of "third world" but the USSR hasn't existed for decades, is China the modern equivalent? And it wasn't made clear why a neutral country like Switzerland would be expected to be highly corrupt while Russia would be low in corruption. Or indeed why Switzerland would be seen as a country in the process of becoming financially rich.

[amanaplanacanal]

Right. I'm saying the meaning has shifted, and doesn't mean that any more.