Final answer:
Core countries in Wallerstein's theory are highly industrialized, urbanized, and economically dominant capitalist nations, such as the U.S. and the U.K., that control global trade and exploit less developed nations.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Immanuel Wallerstein's theory, dominant capitalist countries which are highly industrialized and urbanized are referred to as core countries. These core nations, such as the United States and the United Kingdom, are economically influential and are able to exert control over global trade and economies. They often exploit both semi-peripheral and peripheral nations to maintain their status. A good example of this dynamic is through free trade agreements like NAFTA, where core nations use their power to secure advantageous positions in global trade relationships.
By contrast, semi-peripheral countries are those that are developing or newly industrialized, and peripheral countries are relatively undeveloped, often with unstable governments and economies heavily dependent on core nations for jobs and aid. Core nations are also characterized as high-income nations, while peripheral nations have less industrialization and are providers of raw materials and agricultural products to the core countries.