The BRICS and the Future of World Politics

• In Event: Changing Dynamics in International Relations

Abstract

The BRICS was originally founded as an association of five major emerging economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. While the BRICS nations have collectively made strides in economic development, including the creation of a Development Bank, they also face several challenges including diverse economic structures, infrastructure gaps, and geopolitical tensions between the member states. At the same time, with the addition of Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates in 2024, the organization may be poised to become a significant player in the global arena due to its economic potential, large populations, control of resources, and growing influence on regional and international affairs. This paper will examine the potential influence the BRICS may have on the future of international affairs through the lens of Nicholas Spykman’s and Halford Mackinder’s theories of the heartland and rimland. Spykman argued that control the coastal areas of Eurasia, was crucial for dominating the world. He believed that this region, which includes parts of Europe, the Middle East, and East Asia, held the key to global power dynamics due to its strategic location and access to resources. In contrast, McKinder posited that control over the "Heartland" of Eurasia—a vast region encompassing Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and parts of Western Asia—is key to dominating the world. This paper will argue that the BRICS represent an actualization of both Spykeman’s and McKinder’s theories. In particular, the Sino-Russian axis within the BRICS will give these states the ability to challenge the dominant Western-led world order as never before.

Authors

• Michael Grossman, University of Mount Union

• Kate Kueter, University of Mount Union