Towards a Future for BRICS+

Co-published with Asia Global Institute, HKU

The Global South – both as a concept and loosely defined collection of countries – has gained increasing traction in public and policy discourse. The ten BRICS+ countries are increasingly big players in economics, trade, and finance, as well as on geopolitical matters, climate change, and in multilateral institutions.

Since its expansion to include five new countries, questions have arisen over the tenability and coherence of the grouping, as well as the extent to which divergences can be managed. Many non-BRICS+ nations and observers question whether BRICS+ can counterbalance the G7 countries. Though the impact of the BRICS+ as a geopolitical force remains to be seen, understanding BRICS+ is vital for policymakers and businesses across the world. 

Amid the growing role these powers play across the globe, academics must examine the past, present, and future of the BRICS+ countries. This compendium draws upon scholars across numerous continents, spheres, and disciplines, examining the future of BRICS+ to provide a robust and accurate assessment of both the strengths and weaknesses of BRICS+.

Heiwai Tang is Victor and William Fung Professor in Economics and Director of the Asia Global Institute, the University of Hong Kong. 

Brian Wong Yue Shun is assistant professor at the Department of Philosophy, the University of Hong Kong.

‘This is a timely book. As the BRICS+ countries grow in prominence, some countries worry about them undermining their leadership and authority, while others see the BRICS+ as a way to counterbalance the G7 and keep it “honest”. This essay collection is crucial for those who seek an understanding of the origin and growth of the BRICS+ and the possible trajectory of its evolution.’

—George Yeo, former Singapore Minister for Foreign Affairs, 2004–2011

‘What happens when the two most populous nations, China and India, join together with a growing bloc of emerging powers? The BRICS nations articulate a new understanding of the international order. It is vital that we get to grips with the prospects of seismic global changes and the emergence of a new Global South–led world that fights climate change, improves public health, reduces wars and conflicts, and creates macroeconomic stability. This is the almanac to get you started.’

—Erik Solheim, former Norwegian Minister of Environment and International Development, and vice-president of the Global Coalition for Green Belt and Road

‘We are entering a new era of world history. Western domination is ending. The Global South is rising. But who will drive the Global South? The BRICS+ countries have the opportunity to do so. They drive more than half of the world’s economic growth. This timely guide provides a nuanced, clear-eyed assessment of the promise – and possible pitfalls – of the BRICS+. This is essential for understanding our times.’

—Kishore Mahbubani, Asia Research Institute, NUS, and former President of the UN Security Council

‘Of all uncertainties in the world today, one thing is clear – multi-polarization has dawned. But where is it heading? This book on the future of BRICS+ tells you why almost everyone in the Global South wants to catch the new train that is already moving, for fear of being late.’

—Zhou Bo, Senior Colonel (retired), senior fellow at Tsinghua University, and author of Should the World Fear China?

開讀網站連結 Open Books Hong Kong Link