| 1st world | U.S. and allies were considered this during the cold war |
| 2nd world | U.S.S.R. and it's allies were considered this during the cold war |
| 3rd world militarily | All countries not allied with the 1st and 2nd world |
| 3rd world economically | developing nations with little technology |
| 3rd world politically | dictatorial, or with tribal leadership |
| 3rd world geographically | Most often below the equator |
| 3rd world culturally | Usually very tribal |
| 3rd world racially | Most often people of color |
| 3rd world psychologically | Usually holding a victim mindset because of the imperial age |