Answer:

The idea that the global divide is more socio-political than geographical in nature is a widely accepted view among scholars and experts in development studies. The North-South divide, as it is commonly referred to, is characterized by the stark differences in socio-economic indicators between countries in the developed world (North) and those in the developing world (South).

The North-South divide has its roots in the colonial era, during which European powers colonized and exploited much of the world, especially in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The legacies of colonialism, including the imposition of exploitative economic structures, political instability, and social inequality, have had a profound impact on the economic and social development of these regions, often resulting in poverty, underdevelopment, and marginalization.

Moreover, the socio-political nature of the North-South divide is further compounded by the systemic inequalities perpetuated by the global economic system. The current global economic order, characterized by neoliberal policies and globalization, has led to the concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few, mostly in the developed world, while marginalizing and impoverishing the majority of the world's population, especially in the Global South.

In this context, it is not a coincidence that most rich countries are in the North and most poor countries are in the South. The North-South divide is a product of a complex interplay of historical, political, economic, and social factors that have created and sustained inequalities between the developed and developing world. While there are exceptions to this trend, and some developing countries have made significant progress in recent years, the overall trend remains a stark divide between the haves and have-nots of the world.

In conclusion, the North-South divide is a socio-political phenomenon that reflects the deep-rooted historical, economic, and social inequalities between the developed and developing world. Addressing these inequalities requires a concerted effort by the global community to tackle the systemic issues that perpetuate poverty, inequality, and underdevelopment, and to build a more equitable and sustainable global economic system.