In his book, Khanna redefines the term Second World. What is the difference between the old and new definition?

In his book, Parag Khanna, a geopolitical expert, redefines the term "Second World" to describe countries that fall in an intermediate category between the developed, wealthy nations (commonly referred to as the First World) and the poorer, less-developed nations (often called the Third World). This redefinition is articulated in his book "The Second World: Empires and Influence in the New Global Order."

Traditionally, the term "Second World" was used during the Cold War to refer to the Soviet Union and its satellite states, which were neither part of the Western capitalist bloc (First World) nor the underdeveloped capitalist countries, many of which were colonized (Third World). The "Second World" in this context was characterized by its communist-socialist system, planned economy, and sometimes less advanced economic development compared to the First World, but more industrialized than most of the Third World.

Khanna's new definition of the Second World refers to a group of countries that have significant strategic and economic potential and may not fit neatly into the old First-Third World dichotomy. These countries often have rapidly growing economies, are geopolitically influential, and are characterized by their regional influence and the potential to become global powerhouses. This new interpretation of "Second World" recognizes the dynamic and fluid nature of contemporary international relations and global economics, where economic development, political clout, and global influence do not necessarily align with the old Cold War categories.