Book Description

This updated book (6th edition published in December 2017) examines how the BRICS countries of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa have emerged as potentially potent forces in the global economy, and the reasons behind their economic rise. Yet, although they share certain advantages, they possess different strengths. China has become a dominant global supplier of manufactured goods, while India has emerged as a key global provider of services. Brazil and Russia have become major global exporters of raw materials, resources that China and India require for their industrialisation. South Africa has a diversified economy, and is regarded as a low-risk destination for investment in Africa. The emergence of the BRICS could signal a shift in economic and political power away from the advanced economies of the West. A close 'alliance' between the BRICS countries is becoming a reality, and could further increase their geopolitical stature, leading to significant changes in the current world order. However, China is the real power in the BRICS group, and rivalry with the other BRICS, due to their overlapping spheres of influence, may create future tensions that prevent the emergence of a new powerful grouping. In addition, despite the balance of global economic power shifting towards the BRICS since the turn of the century, there remain doubts over the sustainability of their economic policies. Weak global demand for commodities in recent years has contributed to stalled economies in Brazil, Russia and South Africa, while unprecedented investment levels in China have led to concerns over its rising public and private debt. India's rapidly growing population and considerable rural poverty are problematic for its future development. Therefore, the book looks at the different set of obstacles faced by each of the BRICS countries, and the challenges that may thwart their individual global ambitions, as well as the ability of the BRICS group to take centre stage in tomorrow's global economy. This book includes content from the book titles - 'The Rise (& Fall) of Brazil in the Global Economy', 'The Rise (& Fall) of Russia in the Global Economy', 'The Rise of India in the Global Economy' and 'The Rise of China in the Global Economy' - in addition to dedicated content on the BRICS group. Numerous discussion questions and multiple-choice review questions are included, along with graphs and photos, to create a more interactive and educational experience for the reader. It will be of relevance to teachers, students, and anyone else with an interest in the emergence of the BRICS countries and the globalisation of the world economy.