Emerging Powers in a Comparative Perspective: The Political and Economic Rise of the Bric Countries

The book examines the rising influence of emerging powers in global politics, with a special focus on the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China). Chapters contributed by international scholars first look at the changing status of the US in the 21st century and at the EU as both an emerging and innovative power. China's rising power status, India's regional and global influence, Russia's re-emergence, and Brazil's growing regional and international role are then analyzed comparatively to explain how the BRIC states are poised to become vital players not only in politics and economy, but also in key international concerns such as terrorism, globalization, and climate change. The book provides a detailed analysis of political, economic, security, and foreign policy trends in the BRIC countries to address such questions as to whether they will seek to revise the international order or work within it and how they will deal with transnational global problems. Using a unique comparative approach, the text will appeal to undergraduate students in world politics, international relations, and foreign policy.

Table of Contents:
Contents Contributors List of Abbreviations 1 Introduction Vidya Nadkarni 2 The Global Leadership of the USA and the Emerging Powers Norma C. Noonan 3 Europe: Global Power in the Making Mary Troy Johnston 4 Japan and the Emerging Powers: Toward Middle Power Realism? David Fouse 5 China: A Reluctant Global Power in the Search for its Rightful Place Suisheng Zhao 6 India-An Aspiring Global Power Vidya Nadkarni 7 Russia in the New Distribution of Power Tatiana Shakleina viii Contents 8 Brazil as an Emerging Power in the Twenty-first Century Joao Augusto de Castro Neves 9 Conclusion: Global Leadership in the Twenty-first Century Vidya Nadkarni and Norma C. Noonan Glossary Index

About the Author :
Norma C. Noonan is Professor of Political Science, and Director, M.A. in Leadership Studies and Center for Leadership Studies, Augsburg College, USA. Her areas of interest include Russia, Russian foreign policy, political leadership, women and leadership. She has published numerous articles and a book, Women in Russian Politics and Society, for which she was a major contributor and co-editor, with Greenwood Press. Vidya Nadkarni is Professor of Political Science at the University of San Diego, USA. Her teaching and research interests revolve around the foreign policies of India, Russia, and the United States. She has published in the journals Comparative Strategy and The Naval War College Review and has contributed chapters to several edited books. Her most recent book is Strategic Partnerships in Asia: Balancing without Alliances (Routledge, 2010).

Review :
[This book] should be commended for offering provocative insights into the United States' future and the BRIC countries' possible responses ... [A] highly readable and informative addition to the literature ... [and] a useful text for a course on comparative studies of great powers.