Abstract
This analysis explores China's quest for international legitimacy through its leadership in the BRICS + expansion, a strategic maneuver to foster a multipolar world that integrates diverse political and economic systems. The evolution into BRICS + is significant, with the collective GDP of member countries reaching $30.76 trillion, accounting for 30% of the global economy. This underscores the alliance's economic impact and challenges the existing world order. The inclusion of nations like Saudi Arabia, Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt, and the UAE offers a blueprint for shared benefits and mutual growth. China advocates for an alternative, inclusive pathway to legitimacy, promoting a world order that values sovereignty, cultural identity, and balanced global governance.
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I would like to thank Linh Dinh Dieu from London School of Economics for the constructive criticisms and feedbacks of this paper.
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This paper makes a significant contribution to the field of international relations and global economics by providing a nuanced analysis of China's strategic expansion of the BRICS+ bloc and its broader implications for global governance. It offers a detailed understanding of how China is using BRICS+ to bolster its international legitimacy, particularly by exploring its historical exclusion from key global institutions and its innovative responses. The paper sheds light on how the BRICS+ framework serves as a counterbalance to the established liberal world order, contributing to the shift towards a more multipolar and inclusive global system. It also delves into the integration of resource-rich countries into BRICS+, analyzing their impact on global economic and political landscapes. Furthermore, the study advances theoretical frameworks on legitimacy in international relations, enhancing our understanding of how states like China navigate and influence global governance structures. By examining these dynamics, the paper enriches academic discourse and provides valuable insights for scholars and practitioners in the field.
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Lee, B.T.F., Sims, J.P. Legitimacy Through Diversity: China's Leadership in the BRICS + Expansion for Global Balance. Fudan J. Hum. Soc. Sci. (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40647-024-00411-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40647-024-00411-6