BRICS and Their Influence in South America: The Costs and Risks of a Lack of Leadership

Abstract

The BRICS’ political and economic sway is not profoundly discernible in South America in terms of global governance. The BRICS’ lack of influence in the region takes place in a context where traditional institutions of global governance-such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund-have become less effective in the region. This chapter argues that a leadership void in South America has resulted in weak integration of national political and economic agendas across the region. This lack of integration has resulted in poor regional governance, preventing both the BRICS and traditional institutions from influencing global governance from the region.