Project Overview

BRICSAM countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, the ASEAN states, Mexico) are a group of large developing economies whose probable move to higher levels of income over the next 3‐5 decades will have multiple ripple effects on the global economy. These effects will be felt at the regional level as many of these countries become regional economic hubs and thus be able to exercise ‘soft’ power both within their respective regions and globally. Not only will these countries experience significant changes at the national level as a result of these effects, there may also be such a shift in the global economic balance of power that an overhaul of key aspects of the global economic and financial governance architecture will become inevitable. The Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) is taking a leading role in analyzing the extent and implications of this anticipated economic power shift. The goal of the BRICSAM project is to gather and present preliminary findings and discuss the path ahead of these emerging economies. The BRICSAM project is composed of three streams. The first stream is an examination of the very concept of shifting global economic power, its meaning and manifestations. The second stream of the project focuses on the Chinese economy and China’s place in the world economy. The currently developing third stream would explore the rapid market development of BRICSAM countries. This third stream would involve engaging researchers from research institutions in BRICSAM countries to conduct research and write papers on BRICSAM‐related issues and on the global policy implications of the findings. At each stage, the research activity will be facilitated by the International Governance Leadership Organizations Online (IGLOO) research community initiative. The BRICSAM community will serve as a central meeting place, where scholars engage in ongoing meetings and discussions through a virtual forum, as the project moves forward. Project deliverables will include papers for the CIGI Working Paper series and for a published volume, as well as a joint global report produced by CIGI and BRICSAM partners at the end of the project, preceded by a mid‐term report, and media outreach. Open access to selected parts of the IGLOO community (including parts of the research library) will stimulate and strengthen the interest, involvement and awareness of the general public in various international governance issues and support ongoing policy dialogue amongst research, business and governmental communities.