Question
Does the BRICS bloc mean to practice sub-imperialism?
Answer
The question of whether the BRICS bloc practices sub-imperialism is complex and multifaceted. While some analyses suggest elements of sub-imperialism, the overall consensus is that BRICS does not uniformly practice sub-imperialism.
Sub-Imperialism and BRICS
Conceptual Re-evaluation: The notion of sub-imperialism, initially developed by Ruy Mauro Marini, is being reconsidered in the context of BRICS. This concept describes a semi-peripheral state that supports the interests of imperial powers while pursuing its own regional dominance (Szilágyi, 2024). In the case of South Africa, for instance, Samir Amin critiques its role as sub-imperialist due to its economic policies and influence in Africa (Bond, 2023).
Economic and Political Dynamics: The BRICS bloc, while challenging the US-led liberal order, does not fully align with traditional imperialistic practices. The bloc’s economic relations, particularly with Latin America and the Caribbean, often reinforce traditional models of dependency rather than offering a transformative alternative (Garcia and Pereira, 2022). Additionally, the BRICS+ expansion reflects a diverse group with varying degrees of anti-imperialist stances, complicating a unified sub-imperialist label (Cronin, 2024).
BRICS as an International Actor
Adjunct Role in Global Governance: BRICS is seen more as an adjunct rather than an alternative to Western political frameworks. Despite its unified agenda, the bloc’s members have heterogeneous perceptions of its role, which limits its ability to act as a cohesive sub-imperialist entity (Andal and Muratshina, 2022).
Geopolitical Influence: The BRICS bloc, with its significant global economic and demographic presence, poses a challenge to existing power structures but remains within the confines of global capitalism. It offers limited solutions to issues like labor and environmental exploitation, which are often associated with imperialistic practices (Gennari, Miglioli and De Lima Filho, 2024).
While there are elements within BRICS that could be interpreted as sub-imperialist, particularly in the economic relations of some member states, the bloc as a whole does not uniformly practice sub-imperialism. Its role is more nuanced, acting as a significant player in global politics without fully embodying traditional imperialistic or sub-imperialistic practices.
References
Garcia, A., & Pereira, C., 2022. Political economy of South–South relations: an analysis of BRICS’ investment protection agreements in Latin America and the Caribbean. Third World Quarterly, 44, pp. 57 – 75. https://doi.org/10.1080/01436597.2022.2128328
Szilágyi, I., 2024. Geopolitikai változások, modernizációs stratégiák és a szubimperializmus koncepció újragondolása: a brazil eset. Öt Kontinens. https://doi.org/10.61498/ok2024-1.11
Bond, P., 2023. ‘Nothing has changed, South Africa’s sub-imperialist role has been reinforced’: Samir Amin’s durable critique of apartheid/post-apartheid political economy. Politikon, 50, pp. 314 – 333. https://doi.org/10.1080/02589346.2023.2280800
Andal, A., & Muratshina, K., 2022. Adjunct rather than alternative in global governance: An examination of BRICS as an international bloc through the perception of its members. Social Science Information, 61, pp. 77 – 99. https://doi.org/10.1177/05390184211068012
Gennari, A., Miglioli, A., & De Lima Filho, P., 2024. Brazil and BRICS Plus in the new phase of multipolar (de) globalization. Revista Fim do Mundo. https://doi.org/10.36311/2675-3871.2024.v5n11.p24-47
Cronin, J., 2024. Brics+ in the Context of a Struggle for a New Global Order. Theory & Struggle. https://doi.org/10.3828/theory.2024.5
