This book uses the idea of internal cohesion through intra-BRICS cooperation to make the argument that the next phase in the evolution of BRICS is to strengthen cooperation among BRICS countries in the implementation of decisions taken. There is a risk that what the BRICS promises and what it represents both in the eyes of its friends and foes might not materialise in the absence of central institutions. So, the book calls for the deepening intra-BRICS cooperation across all policy areas where there are already undertakings could help mitigate this risk.
Siphamandla Zondi is Professor in the Department of Politics and International Relations and Acting Director of Institute for Pan-African Thought & Conversation at the University of Johannesburg. He chairs the South African BRICS Think Tank, which facilitates the participation of researchers in BRICS policy development processes. He is Editor of International Journal of African Renaissance Studies, the African Journal of Political Science, and the Journal of BRICS Studies.
Author(s): Siphamandla Zondi
Series: International Political Economy Series
Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
Year: 2022
Language: English
Pages: 285
City: Cham
Preface
Contents
Notes on Contributors
List of Figures
List of Tables
1 Towards Deeper Intra-BRICS Cooperation: An Argument
Introduction
The Prism
BRICs as a Goldman Sachs Idea: An Economic Bloc
BRICS as a Russia-China Alliance Plus
BRICS as a Platform for Regional Powers
Major Divergences Among BRICS Member States
The Missing Link
The Book Outline
Conclusion
References
2 The BRICS Development Bank and Challenges for development financing in BRICS—Issues for Consideration
Introduction
BRICS Development Bank—A Consolidated Formidable Force for Inclusive Development
The Role of National, Regional and Multilateral Development Banks
Governance and Shareholding Structure of the BRICS Development Bank
New mechanisms for Financing Development and Cooperation of BRICS
BRICS Development Bank Projects, Instruments and Products
Criticism Levelled Against BRICS Development Bank
Matters for the BRICS Development Bank’s Consideration Going Forward
Conclusion
References
3 BRICS, Structural Power and the BRICS Bank as a Potentially Progressive Instrument for a Passive Revolution
Structural Power: The Context
Countering Hegemony: A BRICS Approach
The Shoe Must Fit the NDB and Not the Other Way Round
Conclusion
References
4 Out of the Regime Complex: Practical Options for Enhancing Cooperation in Climate Change and New Frontiers in BRICS
Introduction
From Culture of Denial to Culture of Complexity: Mapping the Shifting Landscape
Who Shall Stem the Rising Ocean Level and Heal the Warmth Planet? The Moral and Social Justice Challenge
The Impact of BRICS on Climate Change and the Impact of Climate Change on BRICS
Climate Change Position of BRICS Countries Identified in BRICS’ Summit Declarations
Belling the Cat? The New Roadmap for BRICS
Conclusion
References
5 Opportunities and Options for Energy Cooperation Among BRICS Countries
Introduction
A Review of BRICS Energy Cooperation
Technology Transfer as a Catching Up Mechanism for BRICS
Cooperation on International Governance of Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources
Cooperation in CO2 and Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction
Green Economy Revolution
Cooperation on Other Sources of Energy
Concluding Remarks
References
6 BRICS Cooperation in Fighting Transnational Crimes
Introduction
Initial Transnational Organised Crime Discourse
Conceptualising Transnational Organised Crime
The Evolving Nature of Transnational Crime
Transnational Organised Crime Within the Context of BRICS
Analysis of TOC Arising Specifically from BRICS Summit Declarations 2012–2018
Recommendations on Coordinating BRICS Efforts to Fight Transnational Crime
Conclusion
References
7 BRICS Countries’ Competitiveness in the 4IR: Findings from Three World Economic Forum Indicators
Introduction
The Fourth Industrial Revolution
Conceptual Framework: The WEF Global Competitiveness Index
Methodology
Analysis
The Correlation Between 4IR Competitiveness and FDI Observed: A Discussion
Conclusion
References
8 No One Left Behind: The Implications of the 4th Industrial Revolution on the Developmental Agenda of the BRICS Countries
Introduction
Rising Inequality in the Context of a Polarised Labour Market
Education and Skills in the BRICS Countries
Employment Trends in BRICS Nations
BRICS Nations and the Digital Divide
Cooperation on Job-Related Digital Innovation Initiatives in the BRICS Countries
Conclusion
References
9 Tangible Economic Cooperation for South Africa and the BRICS: Taking Stock and Looking Forward
Introduction
Intra-BRICS Trade and Investment: Status Quo
Enhancing Intra-BRICS Economic Relations
Towards a BRICS Free Trade Agreement
BRICS and the African Continental Free Trade Agreement
Enhancing Investment Through the New Development Bank
Conclusion and Policy Recommendations
References
10 Financial Inclusion and Women Empowerment in BRICS Countries: Perspectives on India and South Africa
Introduction
Financial Inclusion and Inclusive Development
Political Economy of Financial Inclusion
Global and National Policies on Financial Inclusion
Gender Financial Inclusion in BRICS
Gender Financial Inclusion in India
Gender Financial Inclusion in South Africa
The Gender Growth Rate in the BRICS Economy
The State of Financial Exclusion in South Africa
Government Initiatives to Promote Financial Inclusion
Lessons learnt from South Africa on Gender Financial Exclusion
The State of Financial Exclusion in India
Government Initiatives to promote financial inclusion in India
Lessons Learned from India’s Experiences
Conclusion and Recommendations
References
11 COVID-19 and the Counter-Cyclical Responses of the BRICS Countries
Introduction
The Socio-economic Impact of COVID-19 on the BRICS Countries
The Political Economy of the COVID-19 Pandemic in the BRICS
The BRICS’ Economic Responses to COVID-19
The BRICS’ Responses to COVID-19 and the Post-COVID-19 World Order
Conclusion
References
12 South Africa’s Vaccine Production Potential: Towards an Intra-BRICS Vaccine Production Framework
Introduction
Our Approach
The Human Capital-Policy Regime-Economic Development Nexus
South Africa’s Skill Capital Status and the Policy Environment
The Policy Environment
Conclusion and Recommendations
References
13 Towards an Intra-BRICS Implementation and Accountability Framework on Sustainable Development Goals
Introduction
Development as a Conundrum
MDG Implementation and the Accountability Framework: Lessons Learned
Principle-Driven Accountability and Implementation Framework for Agenda 2030
Conclusion
References
Index
