Norway and the BRICS (I): An Overview of Emerging Power Cooperation

Abstract:

In assessing the current status and importance of the BRICS states, the fact that none of them were ever fully members of the post-1945 order may very well be the most important characteristic. The BRICS are all emerging powers, which to some extent influences their general foreign policy outlook. But, as we argue here, the future of the grouping must also be understood in light of Russia’s weakened economic and political position today. While Brazil, India and South Africa have traditionally been staunch defenders of non-intervention, their foreign policies of the last decades have been based on being able to combine this position with close ties to Western powers.