BRICS and the New World Order

As global governance institutions crumble under geopolitical pressures and the COVID-19 pandemic followed by two major wars exposes the fragility of the existing world order, BRICS+ emerges as a potential catalyst for transformative change. This timely book examines whether the alliance representing over 40% of the world's population and 25% of global GDP can transition from a product of the current system to an architect of a new, more equitable global governance framework.

The volume critically analyses the expansion of BRICS+ beyond its original members, exploring how diverse economies from the Global South and beyond are reshaping international dynamics. Through qualitative content analysis of official documents, summit outcomes, and expert perspectives, it addresses key challenges including India-China tensions, economic asymmetries among members, institutional weaknesses, and Western pushback against de-dollarization efforts. It examines the New Development Bank's efficacy, climate governance initiatives, and technological cooperation, while addressing a fundamental question: Can BRICS – constrained by its structural limitations – drive paradigm shifts in global governance or perpetuate the status quo?

The book explores synergies in sustainable development, innovation, and climate action while confronting institutional fragility and bilateral complexities. Essential reading for policymakers, economists, and scholars, it offers crucial insights into whether BRICS+ can create a more inclusive, multipolar world or remain constrained by internal contradictions and external resistance.

Lakhwinder Singh serves as Professor of Economics at Thapar School of Liberal Arts and Sciences and Visiting Professor at the Institute for Human Development, New Delhi. As President of the Society for Pathways to Sustainability, he previously led the 65th Indian Society of Labour Economics conference. He formerly headed the Department of Economics at Punjabi University, Patiala, where he established the Centre for Development Economics and Innovation Studies. With over 32 years of teaching experience and 21 supervised Ph.D.s, he founded and edits the SCOPUS-indexed journal Millennial Asia, published by SAGE since 2009.

Sukhpal Singh teaches at the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad. He is a Fellow of the Indian Society of Agricultural Economics, and President Elect of its 2026 Annual Conference. He has held visiting fellowships at IDS Sussex, Chulalongkorn University, University of Manchester, and Copenhagen Business School. As founding editor of Millennial Asia journal, he has authored 15 books, over 170 research papers, and 100 review articles. He has contributed to policy committees for the Planning Commission, NITI Aayog, and various government ministries at national and state levels.

Reena Marwah, former Professor at Jesus and Mary College, University of Delhi, holds a Ph.D. in International Business and serves as Secretary General of the Association of Asia Scholars. A recipient of the World Bank's McNamara Fellowship (1999-2000) and Asian Scholarship Foundation's Asia Fellowship (2002-03), she is Founding Editor of Millennial Asia, a SCOPUS-indexed journal published by SAGE. With 23 authored and edited books plus numerous research articles, her expertise focuses on Southeast Asian international relations and economic development issues.