What’s the difference between first, second, and third countries?

Question

I’ve read about it but don’t really understand the concept.

In: Other

Answer 1

It’s a hold over from the Cold War days.

First World are the developed (mostly white) democratic countries: England, USA, Canada, those guys.

Second World were the developed (still mostly white) communist countries: Russia herself, East Germany, much of Communist controlled Europe.

Third World was and still is used to refer to poor countries. With a little racial inferiority implied.