The Evolution of BRICS and the Quest for a Multipolar World Order

The emergence of BRICS represents one of the most significant developments in contemporary international relations and global political economy. Initially established as a platform for cooperation among Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, BRICS has evolved into a broader coalition of emerging and developing economies seeking a more inclusive, representative, and multipolar international order. The Evolution of BRICS and the Quest for a Multipolar World Order explores the historical development, institutional transformation, economic significance, and geopolitical ambitions of BRICS in a rapidly changing global landscape. The book examines the group's efforts to reform global governance, strengthen South-South cooperation, promote trade and investment, enhance financial cooperation, and reduce structural inequalities in the international economic system. Particular attention is given to the New Development Bank, the Contingent Reserve Arrangement, de-dollarisation debates, global value chains, and the expanding role of BRICS in international economic diplomacy. Through an analysis of economic reforms, strategic partnerships, geopolitical competition, and the growing influence of the Global South, the book investigates whether BRICS can translate its collective economic potential into meaningful institutional and political change. It also critically assesses the internal differences among member countries, competing national interests, and the practical challenges of building a cohesive alternative to established structures of global power. By connecting historical developments with contemporary debates and future scenarios, this book provides a comprehensive understanding of BRICS as both a platform for emerging-power cooperation and a potential catalyst for the transformation of the international system. Written for students, researchers, academics, and policymakers, this book offers valuable insights into international relations, international political economy, global economic governance, and the evolving dynamics of multipolarity. It invites readers to critically examine a central question of twenty-first-century world politics.