Анотація:
The article explores the peculiarity of Andre Gunder Frank's new research program centered around the notion of the world system. Frank's ideas are juxtaposed with world-systems analysis and his characteristics of five-thousand-year single world system are discussed. The article argues that Frank's approach is instrumental in identifying weaknesses of his opponents arguments (e.g., Immanuel Wallerstein) while thus is paving the way to more synthetic and multi-dimensional theorizing on societal development. It is also shown that the research program of the world system suffers form traditional flaws inherent in Frank's thought: economic determinism, reductionism, structurulist bias, substitution of Asiacentrism for Eurocentrism.