Brazil, Russia, India, China And South Research Articles

India's strategic influence in BRICS: Balancing power with diplomacy

India's strategic role within the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) grouping highlights its growing influence in global geopolitics. This paper explores how India leverages BRICS as a platform to balance power, especially vis-à-vis China, while promoting multilateralism and economic cooperation. As the only democratic nation within BRICS with a robust engagement in both the Global South and Western alliances, India strategically navigates its diplomatic relations to push for reforms in global governance structures such as the United Nations and financial institutions like the IMF and World Bank. Through a combination of economic outreach, leadership in technology and digital finance, and a firm stance on sovereignty, India is positioning itself as a bridge between competing global powers, while advocating for equitable global development. The paper argues that India's balancing act within BRICS underscores its aspirations to be a leading global player while protecting its national interests and regional stability.

The Economic and Geopolitical Significance of the Brics Nations: A Comparative Analysis of Their Global Influence in the 21st Century

The research investigates how BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) influence global economics and political leadership while noting the opportunities and obstacles the alliance encounters. As a powerful influence in finance and trade globally, BRICS confronts the Western institutions that used to dominate. The collective has challenges from its members' vast economic and political variation, even with important milestones like the setup of the New Development Bank. In addition, outside influences from political tensions, mainly with the G7 and global competition, obstruct detailed cooperation. This research examines how the future of BRICS might develop, especially with the BRICS+ initiative, which is designed to include members from the Global South. The growth shows BRICS's purpose to shape global governance more strongly. The study recognizes a requirement for better political and economic integration among BRICS and points out that greater collaboration within the group may promote sustainable growth and financial strength. Limitations in methodology and data quality are recognized along with time constraints relating to the trustworthiness of macroeconomic information from the BRICS countries. This study ends by suggesting ways to enhance BRICS collaboration and identifies new research inquiries regarding the alliance's future direction and its impact on a more diverse world order

How does energy resource diversification affect economic development? Evidence from BRICS economies

This study explores the impact of energy diversification on economic growth in the BRICS (i.e. Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) from 1995 to 2018. The study has used a newly constructed energy diversification index. The results based on the Quantile-on-Quantile (QQR) methodology demonstrate that the impact of energy diversification on the growth of the economy is heterogeneous among nations. It appears that lower and middle quantiles of the energy diversification reduce economic growth, while higher quantile of the energy diversification increases it. It is advised that the BRICS countries should develop crucial steps while transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy without hampering economic growth. It is further suggested that the BRICS countries need to ensure energy sustainability through effective energy diversification. Such steps will enhance economic prosperity for BRICS countries in the long run.

The Current Regulatory Environment for Software Used in Medical Devices: A Need for Refined International Strategies

In the fast-evolving landscape of healthcare technology, Software as a Medical Device (SaMD) has emerged as a transformative force, redefining how medical functionalities are delivered and accessed. From diagnostic algorithms to treatment monitoring applications, SaMD has ushered in a new era of innovation and patient care[1]. As this field continues to burgeon, regulatory frameworks play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety, efficacy, and reliability of these digital health solutions[2]. In this editorial, we delve into the dynamic regulatory landscape of SaMD in both the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) nations and the United States (US), exploring the nuances and challenges that underscore the need for more refined strategies. By examining the regulatory intricacies and aligning them with technological advancements, we aim to shed light on the imperative of adaptive regulatory approaches that can harness the full potential of SaMD while safeguarding public health. A remarkable role of "software as a medical device" (SaMD) in contemporary healthcare software that is intended to be used for medical purposes but is not a component of a hardware medical device is referred to as "software as a medical device" (SaMD)[3]. SaMD is essential to contemporary healthcare since it makes it possible to use software applications for a variety of medical functions, diagnoses, treatments, and monitoring [4].

BRICS, sub-imperialism and education in Mozambique

ABSTRACT Are changing geo-political dynamics, and an increasingly multi-polar world, significant for education? We explore this question by engaging a debate on whether BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) can be considered as a form of sub-imperialism or not. We use a limited form of the concept and focus on connections between the BRICS countries and education in southern Africa - specifically South Africa and Mozambique. Drawing on selected secondary and primary sources, we argue that while South Africa fulfils some of the criteria of a ‘dependent regional sub-centre with influence,' relationships in education between BRICS members and Mozambique are not extensive, although displaying similar characteristics to the `aid colonialism' of traditional donors. The article explores modalities of involvement and shows that even in the case of South Africa educational relationships do not yet appear to extend to policy. However, policy accommodation is a key dimension of these relationships.

Investor sentiments and performance of selected ESG indices in BRICS markets during bull and bear conditions

ABSTRACT Sustainability concerns are increasingly shaping global investment decisions, prioritising sustainable impacts over mere profit-making. This study examines the performance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) funds in emerging markets, focusing on bull and bear market scenarios. A Markov Regime Switching model was employed to analyse daily price data from BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) ESG market indices spanning from 31 January 2011 to 2 January 2023. The analysis highlights the variability of ESG returns performance across different market conditions, emphasising the need for tailored investment strategies that account for market dynamics. Additionally, patterns in ESG returns and volatility are identified, along with pairwise relationships among ESG markets within the emerging markets bloc. The study also examines the influence of investor sentiments on ESG performance and controlled for the influence of macroeconomic factors on ESG performance amid changing market conditions. Finally, insights into transition probabilities between bullish and bearish market conditions offer guidance for more resilient investment portfolio management. This research contributes to advancing empirical knowledge on ESG investing in emerging markets, emphasising the significance of investor sentiments and market conditions for sustainable investment practices and long-term financial success.

Deconstructing the Empire: BRICS and the Rise of a Multipolar World

This study examines the rise of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) and its impact on the global political economy through Hardt and Negri’s concept of “Empire.” BRICS has challenged Western dominance by leveraging economic globalization to build influential networks, reflecting trends of deterritorialization and decentralization. Key strategies include China’s push for internet sovereignty and Russia’s market realignment under Western sanctions. The recent expansion of BRICS to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE underscores its growing influence in reshaping global governance. However, the study also identifies elements of “Empire” within BRICS, such as the use of economic leverage and biopower to exert control. These findings reveal a complex interplay between power and resistance, where BRICS, while challenging Western hegemony, also replicates some control mechanisms. This research contributes to the theoretical discourse on globalization and provides practical insights into the evolving multipolar world order.

An Enemy from the East or Friends with Benefits: An Evaluation of Africa’s Trade Relations with China under BRICS

Over the past decade, Africa’s trading relationship with China has been growing exponentially. Most African countries have welcomed the trading policies and opportunities offered by China over other Western superpowers. With the emergence of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) bloc, and South Africa leading other African countries to join this grouping, Africa’s trading relationship will be greatly influenced by China and BRICS. Consequently, the key issue now is whether China and BRICS are re-scrambling for Africa’s untapped resources or whether the relationship will create mutual benefits for both sides. Using a qualitative research approach, this article examined China’s interest in Africa and engages the critical question of whether such a relationship will benefit the people of Africa, or it is just another form of neo-colonisation. The study used a desk research approach with data collected from secondary sources such as articles, literature surveys, the internet and other electronic sources dealing with Africa’s trade relations with China. The article concludes that the future of African trade will be dominated by China and BRICS given their continuously growing influence and participation in development projects in the continent, despite accusations of exploitation and abuse by Chinese companies in some parts of Africa. This paper adds to existing literature on enhancing Africa’s trading relationship with China and BRICS. Keywords: African trading with China, Africa and BRICS, South Africa leading Africa into BRICS, Colonisation, Re-scramble for Africa

Social, Economic and Competitiveness aspects of Green Innovation

Objective: The purpose of this study is to analyze how the adoption of green innovation practices by companies can affect the economic (Gross Domestic Product - GDP), social (Human Development Index - HDI) and competitiveness (Global Competitiveness Index - GCI) Development of Developed Countries (DC) and Emerging Countries (EC). Method: For the analysis, a three-level hierarchical regression model was used with repeated measures and estimated by Maximum Likelihood from a sample of 4061 publicly traded companies, 80% of which from the G7 countries and 20% from the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa). Results: The results showed that in relation to GDP, all green innovation indicators negatively influenced economic development in both DC and EC. With regard to the HDI, green innovation practices such as environmental management and environmental investments positively influence social development in DCs and ECs, respectively. As for competitiveness, the results revealed that only green innovation practices related to environmental policies showed statistically significant results demonstrating a negative relationship with the GCI both in the DC and in the EC. Contributions: The study contributes with possible ways for companies and governments to set goals to achieve Sustainable Development Goals, SDG-8 to promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth, SDG-9 to promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation, and SDG-10 to strengthen and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.

Adoption of renewable energy to phase down fossil fuel energy consumption and mitigate territorial emissions: evidence from BRICS group countries using panel FGLS and panel GEE models

The recognition of climate change as real and unprecedented has been acknowledged by global communities. Furthermore, fossil fuel energy consumption and territorial emissions are identified as major drivers of climate change. Data collected from the World Bank for BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) group of countries for the period from 1990 to 2018, and analyzed using Panel FGLS and Panel GEE models, revealed an inverted U-shaped relationship between GDP per capita and its square with fossil fuel energy consumption in BRICS countries. However, this relationship was not observed with territorial emissions. It is indicated that the BRICS group of countries is making efforts to reduce fossil fuel energy consumption, but investment in green technology is insufficient to reduce territorial emissions. Therefore, it is recommended that climate policies need to be more aggressively implemented to support investment in clean and green energy technology.

Technological entrepreneurship readiness

Technological entrepreneurship presents opportunities for accelerated growth during the Fourth Industrial Revolution and assessing the readiness for such entrepreneurship would be important to investors (interested in profit) and governments (interested in economic growth). The aim was to assess and rank the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) countries on their level of technological entrepreneurship readiness, as to direct investor funding or alternatively guide government initiatives. Data which was collected in Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, for the World Values Survey, was used in the study (N=13 895). Mean and composite scores linked to entrepreneurship as well as the embracement of technology were compared across countries. These were combined to generate a score used to rank the countries. With each of the individual, as well as the composite variables, significant differences were found across the BRICS countries. China was rated the highest on attitudes towards science while South Africa was rated highest on the openness to entrepreneurship. On the composite score, technology entrepreneurship readiness, China scored the highest. China was ranked as the BRICS countries most viable for technology entrepreneurship. Technology investors should thus consider directing their venture capital eastward. The governments of the other countries should take note of their shortcomings and the results could inform policies to enhance readiness. The results, at a theoretical level, provided some insights into the conceptualisation of technology-related entrepreneurship.

The mediating role of green energy and environmental policies in sustainable development for BRICS economies: A tripartite impact of entrepreneurial activities, urban development and economic growth on ecological footprint

AbstractRecently, the globe has been facing several challenges, and environmental deterioration has become more prominent. Therefore, to deal with such environmental issues, the globe has tried to introduce several green initiatives via the Kyoto Protocol, the Paris Agreement, and the Sustainable Development Goals, but the problem remains intact. However, practitioners have no more choice but to exclude emerging economies from this race. For instance, to understand the response of emerging economies toward a sustainable environment, this study considers BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) economies. Similarly, the current empirical study utilizes innovative environmental determinants such as real income, urbanization, entrepreneurial activities, per capita renewable energy, financial innovation and environmental policy for selected regions from 2000 to 2021. However, the findings of the advanced estimators' series show the significant contribution of per capita green energy consumption, environmental policy and entrepreneurial activities toward environmental sustainability. In contrast, income, financial inclusion and urbanization contribute to environmental damage. Because of green energy supportive behavior, this study makes an additional step to investigate the mediating effect on financial inclusion, environmental policy and entrepreneurship. However, the mediating effect only supports environmental policy and entrepreneurship activities to reduce environmental pressure. From the policy perspective, the specified economies should allocate their financial resources to clean & green projects to attain the desired level of sustainability.

Future of the BRICS and the Role of Russia and China

The rise of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) and the severity of the 2008 global financial crisis have sparked a new round of debate about the long-term viability of transatlantic norms, ideas , and institutions that have dominated global governance since its commencement. Many of the bodies and organizations that contribute towards global governance were formed between 1945 and 1980 , and have been dominated by Western actors and an agenda centered on the West. To support the main argument of the author there are various chapters in the book Future of the BRICS and the Role of Russia and China that focus on The Evolution of Brics and the international system, Russia and BRICS, China and BRICS and Russia and China in BRICS: Convergences and Divergences. The strength of this book is that it is based on empirical evidence and it address pertinent questions on BRICS , contemporary international relations and monetary institutions. Most importantly, the book sheds light on the future of BRICS and the international financial system by providing a clear overview of BRICS and Unipolar and Bipolar world order systems.

Trends in mortality due to tracheal, bronchial, and lung cancer across the BRICS: An age-period-cohort analysis based on the Global Burden of Disease Study 1990-2019.

Tracheal, bronchus, and lung cancer (TBL) is a major cause of mortality and top contributor to productivity loss in large emerging economies such as the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa). We examined the time trends of TBL mortality across the BRICS to better understand the disease burden in these countries and inform public health and healthcare resource allocation. TBL mortality-related data between 1990 and 2019 were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 and analyzed using age-period-cohort models. Net drift (local drift) was used to describe the expected age-adjusted TBL mortality rate over time overall (each age group); the longitudinal age curve was used to reflect the age effect; the period rate ratios (RRs) were used to reflect the period effect; and the cohort RR was used to reflect the cohort effect. In 2019, there were 958.3 thousand TBL deaths across the BRICS, representing 46.9% of the global TBL deaths. From 1990 to 2019, the age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) of TBL decreased in Russia, Brazil, and South Africa while increased in China and India, with the largest reduction reported in Russia (-29.6%) and the largest increase in China (+22.4%). India showed an overall increase (+15.7%) in TBL mortality but the mortality risk decreased among individuals born after 1990 (men) and 1995 (women). Although South Africa and Brazil experienced an overall decline in TBL mortality, their recent birth cohorts, such as Brazilian individuals born after 1985 (men) and 1980 (women), and South African men born after 1995, had an increasing TBL mortality risk. China has experienced an overall increase in TBL mortality, with the mortality risk rising among individuals born after 1995 for both men and women. Russia, which had the highest TBL mortality among the BRICS countries in 1990, has demonstrated significant improvement over the past three decades. Over the past 30years, the BRICS accounted for an increasing proportion of global TBL mortality. TBL mortality increased in older women in all the BRICS countries except Russia. Among the recent birth cohort, the risk of TBL mortality increased in Brazil, China, and South Africa. More effective efforts are needed in the BRICS to reduce the burden of TBL and help achieve the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals.

The Development Concept in BRICS: An Analysis of Projects Financed by the NDB

The article examines the concept of development within the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) framework and how the New Development Bank (NDB) is used to achieve it.It analyzes BRICS summit documents from 2014 to 2022 and financing projects considered by the NDB from 2016 to 2022. The arguments made are as follows: development has been a top priority within BRICS; development is fundamental for economic growth and strengthening infrastructure; development involves a notion of progress closely tied to sustainability and the “green” concept; and the NDB, despite its commitment to good environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices, does not ensure them throughout the execution of projects. In the initial years, cooperation among BRICS countries was emphasized as the means to achieve development. The NDB complements this by filling gaps in international financing. Notably, there is a significant number of projects in the transport infrastructure sector, with leadership from India and China, while the social infrastructure sector is marginalized. There is rapid project appraisal dynamic that does not necessarily translate into project implementation and completion. At the same time, the NDB has attracted interest from new members. As long as the NDB can efficiently attract and lend resources to its members and respond swiftly and responsibly to new challenges in an everchanging international context, it will be seen as a significant multilateral development bank that promotes South-South cooperation. As a result of BRICS coordination, the success of the NDB contributes to development financing and positively impacts the relevance and resilience of the grouping in global politics.

Revisiting the nexus between digital trade, green technological innovation, and environmental sustainability in BRICS economies.

After the UN Climate Action Summit in 2019, many countries started progressing towards race to zero targets. The intricate framework of digitalization and green technologies has the potential to persuade governments to implement policies that promote a zero-carbon economy, i.e., green economy. Hence, this study determines the effect of digital trade (DGT) and green technological innovation (GTI) on environmental sustainability (ENS) by considering the role of renewable energy consumption (REC), globalization (GLOB), and economic growth (EG). The study measured ENS by taking into account three proxy variables, i.e., ecological footprint (EF), carbon dioxide emission (CO2e), and methane emissions (CH4e). POLS and PMG-ARDL techniques are applied to the panel data of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) from 2000 to 2019. Panel Quantile Regression (PQR) along with AMG and CCEMG estimators is applied hereafter for checking the robustness of the empirical results. The long-run empirical outcomes show the positive association of DGT, GTI, REC, and GLOB with ENS. Lastly, this study inscribed the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) and highlights policy implications and governmental measures to ensure environmental sustainability in BRICS economies.

The Long Run Impact of Exchange Rate and Inflation on GDP: A Panel Data Approach Consistent with Data from Brazil, Russia, India, China, And South Africa (BRICS)

The study seeks to address current discrepancies, providing valuable knowledge for decision-makers, fostering economic stability and expansion, informing global economic trends, assisting in business risk mitigation, and contributing to academic advancement through methodological innovation, with a focus on the changing nature of global economic dynamics. The purpose of this study is to assess how inflation and currency exchange rates affect the GDPs of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) nations between 1998 and 2022 We employed a fixed-effect panel data model using EViews software to conduct a thorough regression analysis on the influence of exchange rates and inflation on the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the BRICS nations. The World Development Indicators website provides data that shows that, in contrast to predictions, exchange rates have no appreciable impact on GDP. Nonetheless, during the given time frame, inflation turns out to be a noteworthy and positively connected element impacting these countries' economic growth. This research contributes to the current understanding by uncovering the complex interconnections between exchange rates, inflation, and GDP in BRICS economies. Our findings highlight the necessity of customized economic strategies that recognise the distinct functions of inflation and currency rates in influencing the long-term growth patterns of individual countries.

New insight into decoupling carbon emissions from economic growth: Do financialization, human capital, and energy security risk matter?

AbstractAgainst the backdrop of persistent climate change and deteriorating environmental pressure, this study integrates financialization, human capital, and energy security risks to provide new insight into decoupling carbon emissions from economic growth. The study employs annual panel data on the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) countries for the period of 1990–2019. The research employs the C‐S ARDL approach and the Tapio decoupling index to assess the decoupling status of the BRICS countries. In addition, this study applies the recently developed Juodis, Karavias, and Sarafidis Granger noncausality test for robustness. The findings offer compelling evidence of an inverted U‐shaped curve, aligning with the environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis. Consequently, the results confirm the decoupling of carbon emissions in the BRICS nations. Furthermore, the Tapio decoupling elasticity index confirms different carbon decoupling statuses among the BRICS. The results show expansive negative decoupling for Brazil, weak decoupling for India and China, and strong decoupling for Russia and South Africa. In terms of policy, achieving strong decoupling status in the BRICS requires that financial institutions' lending and investing strategies align with environmental objectives. In addition, human capital development policies such as increased spending on education should be vigorously pursued to empower people to lead sustainable development projects.

Time trends in the burden of autoimmune diseases across the BRICS: an age–period–cohort analysis for the GBD 2019

BackgroundThis study aims to evaluate the long-term trend of prevalence and DALY (disability-adjusted life-year) rate on the age, period and cohort (APC) of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and...

Economic integration and stock market linkages: evidence from South Africa and BRIC

PurposeThis study examines the impact of regional economic integration (REI) on stock market linkages in the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) economic bloc. In this type of study, the BRICS framework is an appealing empirical case, given its uncommon characteristics. For example, BRICS member states come from remote geographic locations (Africa, Asia, Europe and South America) and have contrasting socioeconomic profiles.Design/methodology/approachAn empirical design is framed from the perspective of bilateral trade between South Africa and BRIC. The author accepts trade intensity as a proxy of regional economic integration and then examines the resulting effect on the stock market co-movement within BRIC. The study applies a two-step econometric procedure of the BEKK-MGARCH and panel data models.FindingsOverall, bilateral trade, as a proxy of economic inwctegration, is associated with an increase in stock market integration. This positive relationship is particularly observed during episodes of surplus trade, and more interestingly, was initiated three years after BRICS’ existence and continues to grow at an increasing rate.Practical implicationsThe study outcome should benefit international trade practitioners and global investors interested in portfolio diversification or concerned with risk spillovers.Originality/valueFirst, notwithstanding South Africa's significant economic presence in the African continent, to the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study to empirically evaluate the BRICS economic integration on their stock market linkages from the perspective of South Africa. The value of this contribution is that further work may investigate the bidirectional spillover impact conveyed by South Africa's trade interactions within the juxtaposition of Africa and BRICS economies. Second, given that research on REI and stock market integration has historically concentrated on mature regional blocs of Europe, Asia, South and North America, the current study advances knowledge while correcting the prevailing literature imbalance.