The term "Third World" arose during the Cold War and was used to define countries that remained non-aligned with either NATO or the Warsaw Pact. However, due to the complex history of evolving meanings and contexts, there is no clear or agreed-upon definition of the Third World. Today, the term is used to represent economically poor or non-industrialized countries. Countries that are part of the “third world” are generally characterized by high rates of poverty, economic and/or political instability, and high mortality rates. The term "Third World" is now considered outdated, insulting, and confusing. Instead, the term "developing countries" is often used to describe countries that are still in the process of industrialization and modernization. The definition of a third world country has evolved from the political meaning during the Cold War to the economic meaning of today. Third-world countries are now a broadened group that includes nations that are considered poor and underdeveloped or developing.