Abstract

A little over a decade ago Africa was being spoken of in the media as the 'lost' or 'hopeless' continent. Now it has some of the fastest growing economies in the world, largely because of the impact of the BRICS: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. In this first book to be written about the BRICS as a collective phenomenon, Pádraig Carmody reveals how their engagements with Africa, both individually and collectively, are often contradictory, generating new inequalities and potential for development. Crucially, Carmody shows how the geopolitics of the BRICS countries' involvement in Africa is impacted by and impacts upon their international relations more generally, and how the emergence of these economies has begun to alter the very nature of globalization, which is no longer purely a Western-led project. This is a path-breaking examination of Africa's changing role in the world.
'This is an excellent and bold book. The author provides both detailed evidence and well-honed judgement in entering several controversial areas and providing balanced insights and a platform for proper debate - without hysteria and mythologization.' Stephen Chan, editor of The Morality of China in Africa 'The role of emerging economies has been acknowledged as playing an important role in diversifying Africa's international relations and thus granting Africa new and exciting possibilities. Emblematized by the BRICS, a great deal of excitement has been generated to suggest that not only is Africa on the up but that this is taking place within a global context where we are on the cusp of radically changing the global order, one that will be favourable to the developing world. With the BRICS being cast as playing leading roles in such processes, Pádraig Carmody's book critically interrogates the nature and implications for Africa of the BRICS, situating his study within a wider analysis of the processes associated with globalization. This is an important analysis and required reading for all those interested in the future of Africa's international relations.' Ian Taylor, author of The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation 'This book is an excellent and concise primer for students of international relations and African Studies interested in understanding the evolving global power shift and Africa's place within it. By carefully deconstructing the acronym BRICS, Carmody expose its limitations as an analytical tool for understanding structural change, and then proceeds to provide important pointers on how Africa should respond to the challenge posed by the increasing influence of Brazil, Russia, India and China on Africa's development.' Fantu Cheru, co-editor of The Rise of China and India in Africa 'A well-researched and highly readable analysis of the BRICS in Africa' - Oliver Stuenkel in Post-Western World
Pádraig Carmody lectures in development geography at Trinity College Dublin, from which he holds both a BA in geography and history and an MSc in geography. He completed his PhD in geography at the University of Minnesota in 1998. Subsequently he taught at the University of Vermont, Dublin City University and St Patrick's College, Drumcondra. He also worked as a policy and research analyst for the Combat Poverty Agency in 2002/3. His research centres on the political economy of globalization in Africa.