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The transnational state and the BRICS: a global capitalism perspective

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  • William I. Robinson

Abstract

It is commonplace for observers to see the increasingly prominent role of the BRICS in international economic and political affairs as a Southern challenge to global capitalism and the power of the core Trilateral nation-states. Extant accounts remain mired in a tenacious realist debate over the extent to which the BRICS are challenging the prevailing international order. I suggest that we shift the paradigmatic focus in discussion of the BRICS phenomenon towards a global capitalism perspective that breaks with such a nation-state/inter-state framework. Global integration and transnational capitalist class formation has advanced significantly in the BRICS. BRICS protagonism is aimed less at challenging the prevailing international order than at opening up space in the global system for more extensive integration and a less asymmetric global capitalism. The article examines agricultural subsidies, US–China relations and international trade agreements as empirical reference points in arguing that the concept of the transnational state provides a more satisfying explanatory framework for understanding the BRICS phenomenon than the variety of realist approaches. By misreading the BRICS critical scholars and the global left run the risk of becoming cheerleaders for repressive states and transnational capitalists in the South. We would be better off by a denouement of the BRICS states and siding with ‘BRICS from below’ struggles of popular and working class forces.

Suggested Citation

  • William I. Robinson, 2015. "The transnational state and the BRICS: a global capitalism perspective," Third World Quarterly, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 36(1), pages 1-21, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:ctwqxx:v:36:y:2015:i:1:p:1-21
    DOI: 10.1080/01436597.2015.976012
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    Cited by:

    1. Marilyn Grell-Brisk, 2018. "Eluding National Boundaries: A Case Study of Commodified Citizenship and the Transnational Capitalist Class," Societies, MDPI, vol. 8(2), pages 1-21, May.
    2. Gerard Strange, 2020. "Debating Free International Trade," American Journal of Economics and Sociology, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 79(1), pages 25-47, January.
    3. Xiaoguang Wang, 2020. "Leadership-building dilemmas in emerging powers’ economic diplomacy: Russia’s energy diplomacy and China’s OBOR," Asia Europe Journal, Springer, vol. 18(1), pages 117-138, March.
    4. Parizek, Michal & Stephen, Matthew D., 2021. "The long march through the institutions: Emerging powers and the staffing of international organizations," EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, vol. 56(2), pages 204-223.
    5. Ugo Finardi & Andrea Buratti, 2016. "Scientific collaboration framework of BRICS countries: an analysis of international coauthorship," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 109(1), pages 433-446, October.

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