BRIC and its new world order have yet to take shape
Submitted by Jan Rosenkrantz on Mon, 2010-04-19 19:12
Too much talk about the potential of this big four has weakened its
clou. When Brazil, Russia, India and China got together, the world should have
been trembling at their feet. They are the biggies. But that did not
happen in Brasilia when their leaders met for the second time. The first
time in Moscow was a photo opportunity. And now again, we have the same
impression. Why? Simply put, they have not got their act together yet.
There were too many differences among them. Worse, there was too much
hype about their potential and intentions.
Doubtless, each country is powerful in its own right. When they met and stood together, they looked really good. Half the group comes from Asia. So far, the reason they have not achieved anything yet is clear - they need action. Otherwise, their future meetings will be considered a four-ring circus. It will be difficult for the international community to take BRIC seriously, despite their economic growth index.
Obviously, their second meeting indicated the world was not going the way former US President George Bush wanted - the world is not uni-polar. It is a multi-polar world. However, to keep this political order going, these four countries have to do their share. Not just talk. To create a new international order that is just, representative and safe would also mean that both Russia and China have to be more humble and considerate of issues affecting global peace and stability. They have to be more cooperative with the international community. At the same time, India and Brazil should be given more room for their indigenous diplomacies and successes. They also have to be more pro-active and out-looking. No longer can they hide in their subcontinent and feel safe.
Together, these four countries can do more for the world today. For instance, they have come with strong statements for reform of the international financial institutions, to give developing countries a greater voice. In the months after the global financial crisis, that has been the central message from the developing world - whether it was in G-20 meetings in London and Pittsburgh, Apec leaders' meeting in Singapore or Asean summits in Thailand. But progress on this front has been slow. Other developed members, such as the US and EU, must push harder for quicker reforms.
With a 40 per cent share of the global population, BRIC can make a difference in the world we live in. Any joint undertaking they decide on, whether it is on climate change, nuclear non-proliferation and energy and food security will impact on the rest of us. Somehow, they are still inward-looking and more interested in preserving their group solidarity instead of engaging the world. BRIC is still evolving and it may take time before it can be a grouping for the world to reckon with.
Developing nations are hoping BRIC will adopt a plan of action that would include them, especially access to their markets and energy. That certainly would give BRIC a noble objective of a just and balanced world.
Publisher:
The Nation 
