BRICS – quo vadis?

Abstract

The BRICS countries gained importance on the international stage with two opposing scenarios from the literature dictating discussions. The first proclaimed that BRICS would become a major economic force globally, while the second perceived it as a mere symbolic type of gesture with minimal impact. Based on this, should the group be able to fully converge and unite, the first may become true, but if the second narrative becomes reality, the group may diverge with limited impact globally. To become an economic entity that has significant influence in international affairs, unity rather than diversity is imperative. Following a desk-top literature approach in this study, it seems to indicate that BRICS forms a heterogeneous coalition, focussed on advancing members’ individual, rather than collective interest, using the benefit of being aligned with a potential economic powerhouse. Therefore, it seems as if the second scenario, seems more plausible.