30.2.3 Emerging powers, including BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa)

Introduction to State Power Classifications

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Emerging powers represent a distinct category of states that are on the rise in terms of their economic, military, and political influence. Among the most notable emerging powers are the BRICS countries: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

Definition of Emerging Powers

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Emerging Powers: Emerging powers are states that are experiencing rapid economic growth, increasing political influence, and enhanced military capabilities. These countries are seen as rising players in the international system, challenging the dominance of established superpowers and great powers. While they may not yet possess the full attributes of a superpower, they have significant regional influence and are expanding their global reach.

Characteristics of Emerging Powers

Rapid Economic Growth

Expanding Economies: Emerging powers typically have fast-growing economies, characterized by rising GDP, increased industrial output, and expanding consumer markets. This economic growth allows them to invest in military capabilities, infrastructure, and global influence.

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Example: China's economy has grown rapidly over the past few decades, transforming it into the second-largest economy in the world. This economic strength has enabled China to increase its global influence through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative.

Diversified Economies: Emerging powers often have diversified economies that include a mix of agriculture, manufacturing, and services. This economic diversification provides resilience and supports sustained growth.

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Example: India's economy is diverse, with strong sectors in information technology, pharmaceuticals, and services, alongside traditional industries like agriculture.

Significant Global Trade Players: Emerging powers are often major players in global trade, exporting goods and services to markets around the world. Their growing influence in international trade negotiations reflects their rising economic power.

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Example: Brazil is a leading exporter of agricultural products like soybeans, coffee, and beef, making it a significant player in global food markets.

Increasing Military Capabilities

Modernizing Armed Forces: Emerging powers invest in modernizing their military forces, including upgrading equipment, expanding capabilities, and improving training. This modernization allows them to project power regionally and, increasingly, globally.

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Example: India has been modernizing its military, with investments in new fighter jets, naval vessels, and missile systems, enhancing its capabilities in the Indian Ocean region.

Nuclear Capabilities: Some emerging powers possess nuclear weapons, which significantly enhance their strategic position and deterrent capabilities on the global stage.

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Example: Both China and India are nuclear-armed states, with China also being a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), giving it significant influence in global security matters.

Regional Power Projection: Emerging powers often have the ability to project military power within their regions, securing their interests and influencing regional dynamics.

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Example: Russia's military interventions in Georgia (2008) and Ukraine (2014) demonstrate its ability to project power in its near abroad, asserting its influence over neighbouring countries.

Growing Political Influence

Active in International Organizations: Emerging powers are increasingly active in international organizations, where they seek to shape global norms and policies in ways that reflect their interests.

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Example: The BRICS countries collectively advocate for reform of international institutions like the United Nations and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to better represent the interests of developing and emerging economies.

Regional Leadership: Emerging powers often take on leadership roles within their regions, shaping regional agendas and mediating conflicts. Their influence in regional organizations underscores their growing political clout.

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Example: South Africa is a leading member of the African Union (AU) and plays a key role in mediating conflicts and promoting development across the African continent.

Diplomatic Initiatives: Emerging powers are increasingly initiating diplomatic efforts to build alliances, negotiate trade deals, and engage in conflict resolution. Their diplomatic reach extends beyond their regions as they seek to play a more prominent role in global affairs.

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Example: Brazil has been an active participant in global climate change negotiations, advocating for the interests of developing countries and playing a key role in the Paris Agreement.

Cultural and Ideological Influence

Cultural Exports: Emerging powers often have rich cultural heritages that they promote globally, enhancing their soft power and cultural influence. This can include media, music, film, and literature, which help to shape global perceptions of these countries.

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Example: India's Bollywood film industry is one of the largest in the world, with a significant global audience, contributing to India's cultural influence.

Promotion of Alternative Models: Emerging powers sometimes promote alternative political and economic models to the Western-dominated order. This can involve advocating for different approaches to development, governance, and international relations.

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Example: China promotes its model of state-led capitalism and one-party rule as an alternative to Western democratic capitalism, appealing to some developing countries looking for a different path to development.

Soft Power Initiatives: Emerging powers increasingly invest in soft power initiatives, such as international cultural exchanges, educational scholarships, and global broadcasting networks, to improve their global image and influence.

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Example: Russia's RT (Russia Today) and China's CGTN (China Global Television Network) are examples of state-run media outlets that aim to project these countries' perspectives to a global audience.

The BRICS as Emerging Powers

Brazil

Economic Influence: Brazil is the largest economy in Latin America, with significant agricultural exports and a growing industrial sector. It is a leading producer of soybeans, coffee, and beef, which gives it substantial influence in global food markets.

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Example: Brazil's participation in the World Trade Organization (WTO) and its leadership in trade negotiations, particularly on agricultural issues, underscore its economic influence.

Political Role: Brazil is a key player in South American politics, often acting as a mediator in regional disputes and promoting integration within the region through organizations like MERCOSUR.

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Example: Brazil played a crucial role in the formation of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR), which aims to enhance regional integration and cooperation.

Cultural Power: Brazil's rich cultural heritage, including its music (such as samba and bossa nova), carnival celebrations, and football (soccer) prowess, contribute to its global cultural influence.

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Example: The global popularity of Brazilian football and the country's successful hosting of international events like the FIFA World Cup and the Olympics have boosted Brazil's soft power.

Russia

Military Strength: Russia maintains one of the world's most powerful militaries, with significant nuclear capabilities and a strong defense industry. Its ability to project power in its near abroad and beyond is a key aspect of its influence.

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Example: Russia's military interventions in Syria and its annexation of Crimea demonstrate its willingness to use military force to achieve strategic objectives.

Energy Resources: Russia is one of the world's largest producers of oil and natural gas, giving it considerable economic leverage, particularly over Europe, which relies heavily on Russian energy supplies.

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Example: Russia's control over natural gas supplies to Europe provides it with significant geopolitical influence, as seen in its use of energy as a tool of foreign policy during the Ukraine crisis.

Political Influence: Russia is a permanent member of the UNSC, allowing it to shape global security policies. It also plays a significant role in regional organizations such as the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

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Example: Russia's use of its UNSC veto power to block resolutions on Syria and other conflicts reflects its strategic use of political influence on the global stage.

India

Economic Growth: India has one of the world's fastest-growing economies, with a large and youthful population driving domestic demand and economic expansion. Its information technology (IT) sector is particularly strong, making India a global leader in this field.

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Example: India's IT industry, centered in Bangalore, has made it a global hub for software development and services, attracting significant foreign investment and creating millions of jobs.

Military Capabilities: India is a nuclear-armed state with a large and modernizing military. It has a growing blue-water navy and an expanding defense industry, enhancing its ability to project power in the Indian Ocean region.

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Example: India's development of its own aircraft carrier and expansion of its naval presence in the Indian Ocean reflect its ambitions to be a major maritime power.

Cultural Influence: India's cultural influence is significant, particularly through its film industry (Bollywood), yoga, and cuisine, which are popular globally. This cultural reach enhances India's soft power.

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Example: Bollywood films are widely watched in countries around the world, contributing to India's cultural diplomacy and global cultural presence.

China

Economic Powerhouse: China is the world's second-largest economy and a major global trading power. Its rapid economic growth has transformed it into a leading manufacturer and exporter, influencing global markets and supply chains.

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Example: China's role as the "world's factory" and its massive trade surpluses with countries around the world underscore its economic clout.

Military Expansion: China has been rapidly expanding its military capabilities, including building a modern navy, enhancing its air force, and developing advanced missile systems. Its military modernization aims to assert its dominance in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.

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Example: China's construction of artificial islands in the South China Sea and its deployment of advanced military assets reflect its growing military ambitions.

Global Influence: China's influence extends globally through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which aims to build infrastructure and enhance trade links across Asia, Africa, and Europe. This initiative expands China's economic and strategic influence worldwide.

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Example: The BRI has led to significant investments in infrastructure projects across multiple continents, strengthening China's economic ties and political influence.

South Africa

Economic Significance: South Africa is the most advanced economy in Africa, with a well-developed financial sector, a diverse industrial base, and substantial natural resources. It plays a key role in regional economic and political affairs.

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Example: South Africa is a major producer of gold, platinum, and diamonds, which contribute significantly to its economy and global economic influence.

Regional Leadership: As a leading member of the African Union (AU) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), South Africa plays a crucial role in regional diplomacy, conflict resolution, and development initiatives.

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Example: South Africa has been involved in peacekeeping missions and conflict mediation efforts in countries such as Lesotho and Zimbabwe, demonstrating its leadership in regional stability.

Cultural Impact: South Africa's diverse cultural heritage, including its music, art, and cuisine, contributes to its global cultural influence. The country's role in international events, such as the World Cup, enhances its soft power.

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Example: The success of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, hosted by South Africa, showcased the country's ability to host major international events and promote its cultural and economic strengths.

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Emerging powers are reshaping the global landscape by increasing their economic, military, and political influence. The BRICS countries—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—are at the forefront of this transformation, each contributing to the emergence of a multipolar world order.

Emerging powers, including BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) Simplified Revision Notes for A-Level OCR Politics

30.2.3 Emerging powers, including BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa)

Introduction to State Power Classifications

Definition of Emerging Powers

Characteristics of Emerging Powers

Rapid Economic Growth

Increasing Military Capabilities

Growing Political Influence

Cultural and Ideological Influence

The BRICS as Emerging Powers

Brazil

Russia

India

China

South Africa

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