According to world-systems theory, core countries are the most advanced industrial countries, which take the lion's share of profits in the world economic system. These nations possess high levels of industrialisation, technological innovation, and economic diversification. They typically have strong state institutions, well-developed infrastructure, and a highly skilled workforce. Core countries dominate global trade and finance, often exploiting peripheral and semi-peripheral countries for raw materials and cheap labor. Examples of core countries include the United States, Japan, and Germany. This dominance allows core countries to maintain their economic and political power in the global arena, perpetuating a system of unequal exchange. World-systems theory, developed by Immanuel Wallerstein, emphasises the interconnectedness of the global economy and the hierarchical relationship between core, semi-peripheral, and peripheral nations.