BRICS at the United Nations

BRICS at the United Nations: An Analytical Model

Abstract

Since the end of the Cold War, many scholars have been studying the new power stratification in the international system. In the multipolar order that arose, concepts as emerging and middle powers have been used to analyze the States that are not great powers but still hold a relative influence on global issues. This paper adds to this debate and aims to deepen the classification applied to the United Nations member States. We reinforce the need to update the traditional approach concerning the intermediate countries since it does not suit the specific case of the BRICS. Accordingly, we will propose an analytical model to comprehend the opportunities available to each group of States. The focus will be on peace and security issues, relying on the effects that these asymmetries can cause on the decision-making process. Thus, we will analyze the BRICS countries using the model to indicate the heterogeneity among them and understand why they do not act as a group in peace and security affairs at the UN.

Keywords: United Nations. Emerging Powers. Peace and Security. BRICS