Does the BRICS Group Matter?

The emerging BRICS economies agree that the West should hold less sway in the global economy. But their leaders, despite regular summits, have failed to articulate a coherent vision because of divergent interests, says journalist Martin Wolf.

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More news from Council on Foreign Relations:

Friday, 05-17-13South Africa's Economic Fault LinesSouth Africa in the post-apartheid period has registered steady growth, but mounting problems over inequality threaten the continent's economic engine, explains this Backgrounder.

Wednesday, 05-15-13Escaping Nigeria's Cycle of ViolenceA state of emergency in Nigeria's northeast signals that Islamist violence and the government's brutal response have rendered the region ungovernable, says CFR's John Campbell.

Monday, 05-13-13Egypt, Turkey, and Tunisia Are All Slowly IslamizingSteven Cook inspects the role of Islam in Egyptian, Turkish, and Tunisian society and culture.

Wednesday, 05-08-13In Defense of Leading from Behind"Going forward, the United States has no choice but to embrace the sound underpinnings of leading from behind," writes Leslie H. Gelb.

Wednesday, 05-08-13Hearing at the U.S. House of Representatives: "Benghazi: Exposing Failure and Recognizing Courage," May 2013Three State Department officials testified at the Committee for Oversight and Government Reform on May 8, 2013.

Wednesday, 05-08-13Benghazi Truths vs. Washington PoliticsElliott Abrams discusses the latest House hearing on the Benghazi embassy attack of September 11, 2012.

Wednesday, 04-24-13Realizing Democracy: Lessons from South Africa and NigeriaIsobel Coleman hosts John Campbell, former U.S. ambassador to Nigeria, for a discussion about the political and economic transitions of South Africa and Nigeria as part of a Civil Society, Markets, and Democracy Initiative series on Realizing Democracy: Lessons from Transitioning Countries.

Tuesday, 04-23-13Africa's Economic BoomSub-Saharan Africa's GDP has grown five percent a year since 2000 and is expected to grow even faster in the future. Although pessimists are quick to point out that this growth has followed increases in commodities prices, the success of recent political reforms and the increased openness of African societies give the region a good chance of sustaining its boom for years to come.

Friday, 04-12-13Why aren't the United States and other western countries more involved in Zimbabwe?U.S. and Western influence in Zimbabwe is limited compared to the region's powerhouse, South Africa. South Africa is Zimbabwe's largest trading partner, and South Africa's ruling party, the African National Congress, has wide-ranging contacts in Zimbabwean political circles.

Thursday, 04-11-13The World Next Week: April 11, 2013A preview of world events in the coming week from CFR.org: Britain honors the late Margaret Thatcher; Venezuelans select the successor to Hugo Chavez; and the World Bank and IMF spring meetings begin in Washington.

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