policy-briefing-24-623dc654718d2e5a.pdf

This policy brief examines the role of emerging powers, specifically the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, China) and IBSA (India, Brazil, South Africa) forums, in the evolution of South–South co-operation. The author analyzes whether these alliances serve as genuine champions for the developing world or as self-serving entities pursuing global economic dominance. The document argues that for these forums to effectively challenge neo-liberal globalisation and benefit the most vulnerable regions, particularly Africa, they must move beyond political rhetoric toward inclusive, practical action plans and transparent mandates.

• South–South co-operation has transitioned from a focus on geopolitics, anti-imperialism, and anti-colonialism toward an emphasis on geo-economics, political economy, and sustainable development within the context of rapid globalisation.
• The BRIC and IBSA forums represent a new confidence among middle-income developing countries, but they risk becoming exclusive 'rich man's clubs' if they do not prioritize the development interests of weaker states, especially those in Africa.
• There is a distinct difference in the objectives of the two forums: IBSA, established in 2003 via the Brasilia Declaration, focuses primarily on economic co-operation with existing action plans, whereas BRIC is more oriented toward a coalition for global political governance and a multipolar world order.
• The BRIC forum lacks precise areas of joint co-operation or formal mechanisms, which may stem from national goal differences, political tensions, or a tendency to look inward following the global economic downturn.
• South Africa's potential membership in BRIC is presented as a matter of practical importance rather than just political idealism, due to its strong economy and its role as a 'springboard' for investment and development interests in Africa.
• The author recommends that BRIC and IBSA adopt an outreach mechanism similar to the G8+5 to grant observer status or special recognition to other developing countries to ensure inclusivity.
• To ensure transparency and integrity, the author suggests that when BRIC and IBSA countries speak for the South, they should be required to receive mandates and report back to global forums such as the G77+China, NAM, and South Summits.

APA

South African Institute of International Affairs (n.d.). policy-briefing-24-623dc654718d2e5a.pdf. https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Policy-Briefing-24.pdf

Chicago

South African Institute of International Affairs. policy-briefing-24-623dc654718d2e5a.pdf. n.d. https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Policy-Briefing-24.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=South African Institute of International Affairs |title=policy-briefing-24-623dc654718d2e5a.pdf |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{southafricaninstituteofinternationalaffairsndpolicybriefing24623dc654718d2e5apdf, author = {{South African Institute of International Affairs}}, title = {{policy-briefing-24-623dc654718d2e5a.pdf}}, institution = {South African Institute of International Affairs}, url = {https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Policy-Briefing-24.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }