BRIC and IBSA Forums: Neo-liberals in Disguise or Champions of the South?

The document examines the evolution of South–South co-operation through the lens of the BRIC and IBSA forums. It argues that while these emerging powers have the potential to challenge neo-liberal globalisation and shift global governance toward a multipolar world, they must move beyond rhetoric to adopt inclusive mechanisms that prioritise the development interests of Africa and the broader South to avoid becoming a 'rich man’s club'.

• South–South co-operation has shifted its primary focus from geopolitical concerns, such as opposing colonialism and imperialism, toward geo-economics, political economy, and the pursuit of sustainable growth within the context of rapid globalisation.
• The BRIC and IBSA forums differ in their primary objectives: IBSA is focused on economic co-operation with established mechanisms, whereas BRIC is oriented toward global political governance but lacks precise joint co-operation mechanisms.
• There is a risk that BRIC countries may be using the concept of South–South solidarity as a facade for mercantilist interests to gain commercial advantages in Africa, similar to the interests of the developed North.
• South Africa is positioned as a critical potential member of BRIC because its economic infrastructure and dominant role in Africa could allow it to champion the continent's development interests within the forum.
• The author argues that for BRIC and IBSA to effectively reverse neo-liberal globalisation trends, they must adopt inclusive outreach mechanisms—such as observer status for other developing countries—and report to established forums like the G77+China and NAM Summits.
• Russia's membership in BRIC complicates the forum's identity as a 'South' alliance due to its history with the G7 and its OECD accession status.

APA

Senona, J. (2010). BRIC and IBSA Forums: Neo-liberals in Disguise or Champions of the South? South African Institute of International Affairs. https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Policy-Briefing-24.pdf

Chicago

Senona, Joseph. BRIC and IBSA Forums: Neo-liberals in Disguise or Champions of the South? South African Institute of International Affairs, 2010. https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Policy-Briefing-24.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Senona |first1=Joseph |title=BRIC and IBSA Forums: Neo-liberals in Disguise or Champions of the South? |publisher=South African Institute of International Affairs |date=24 September 2010 |url=https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Policy-Briefing-24.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{senona2010bric, author = {Senona, Joseph}, title = {{BRIC and IBSA Forums: Neo-liberals in Disguise or Champions of the South?}}, institution = {South African Institute of International Affairs}, year = {2010}, month = sep, url = {https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Policy-Briefing-24.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }