The formation of the BRICS and its implication for the United States: emerging together

While still considered a world political and economic superpower, the United States is becoming increasingly well-matched by five emerging economies known as the BRICS: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Together, these countries would have the clout to limit the United States' ability to engage in its preferred foreign policies, thereby reducing US power abroad. In anticipation of this potential alliance, Schaefer and Poffenbarger analyze the foreign policies of individual BRICS members for common goals and approaches as well as bilateral problems that may exist between member states. With particular attention paid to the BRICS' Africa strategy and founding of the New Development Bank, this work explores joint actions of the BRICS body and suggests policy recommendations the US might adopt in response.