BRICS member states as norm entrepreneurs: worldviews and bids for power in global health and world energy governance

Abstract

The international agenda has become a key area due to the diversity of topics negotiated at the international level and the fact that emerging countries question the global distribution of power. In this context, the international agenda can be characterised as a result of bids for power. This article focuses on Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS member states) as emerging powers that have demanded to change some rules and put on the table new meanings for crucial topics as norm entrepreneurs. Nevertheless, during the second decade of this century, Brazil and South Africa have withdrawn from the international scene, while India, Russia and China (mainly Beijing) have intensified their presence. This paper aims to analyse the achievements and limitations faced by each of these emerging countries as norm entrepreneurs, particularly regarding global health and world energy governance. It follows an interpretive research methodology and its purpose is to contribute to the debate on systemic changes and the role of emerging powers in the norm entrepreneur literature.