India, Brazil and South Africa: Collective Action, Divergent Positions

Abstract

The objective of this article is to contribute to the further comprehension of the basis of the formation of international coalitions, or partnerships, of the South-South-type in the new context of the multilateral agenda, taking as an indication of the preferences of such countries the adopted positions in key international arenas. As can be observed the first arrangements of the new round of WTO negotiations, the Doha Round, the coalitions are going to have a central role. In those, the leadership of the regional powers from the South or of intermediate countries will be fundamental. The cooperative efforts of this nature have already consubstantiated with the formation of a series of coalitions, primarily the G-20 or G-3 (IBSA, India-Brazil-South Africa coalition). The convergence of international trade interests at the IBSA is clearly counterintuitive in the efforts of building international coalitions. Indeed, the rationale of the formation of the India-Brazil partnership demands an explanation that centers simultaneously on a deeper and systematic comprehension of the economic interests of both countries and on other interests that go beyond those trade questions.