Description
Book SynopsisIn the wake of the post-Cold War era, the aftermath of 9/11, the 2008 global financial crisis, and the emergence of the G20 at the leaders level, few commentators expected a reshaping of the global system towards multipolarity, and away from the United States. And yet, the BRICS - encompassing Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - has emerged as a challenge to the international status quo. But what is its capacity as a transformative force? And can it provide a significant counter-narrative to the Western dominated global order? In this Very Short Introduction Andrew Cooper explores the emergence of the BRICS as a concept. Drawing on historical precedent, Cooper provides a contemporary analysis of the BRICS'' practice and influence as as a forum and a lobby group in advancing a distinctive but amorphous agenda amongst global politics.ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.
Trade ReviewCooper's very short introduction on the BRICS grouping indeed fills an important niche, providing a solid overview which can be read in a few hours and includes all the basic information. * Post-Western World *
Table of Contents1. Framing the BRICS ; 2. A contested invention: The BRIC, BRICs, and the BRICS ; 3. A historical departure ; 4. Hanging together ; 5. Building the new development bank ; 6. BRICS as the recognition of states, not societies ; 7. The staying power of the BRICS ; Further Reading ; Index