The fall of the Wall, the rise of the BRICs and the new Scramble for Africa

Michael Kahn

doi:10.1108/14636681111138758

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The fall of the Wall, the rise of the BRICs and the new Scramble for Africa

Document Information:
Title:	The fall of the Wall, the rise of the BRICs and the new Scramble for Africa
Author(s):	Michael Kahn, (Research Fellow at CREST, Stellenbosch University, Matieland, South Africa)
Citation:	Michael Kahn, (2011) "The fall of the Wall, the rise of the BRICs and the new Scramble for Africa", foresight, Vol. 13 Iss: 3, pp.38 - 49
Keywords:	Africa, Developing countries, Emerging economies, South Africa
Article type:	Conceptual paper
DOI:	10.1108/14636681111138758 (Permanent URL)
Publisher:	Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Abstract:	Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to construct a possible future scenario for South Africa in Africa using the backcast approach. Design/methodology/approach – The methodology followed is to present a brief political and economic history of African colonization and de-colonization, globalisation and the rise of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICs). Strengths and weaknesses are discussed and used to sketch a desired future scenario from which the backcast is constructed. Findings – It is suggested that the optimal future is one involving SADC-MERCOSUR alliance with South Africa and Brazil as the respective leaders Research limitations/implications – A study of this kind is necessarily speculative. Practical implications – The paper alerts policy makers to the threats and opportunities inherent in south-south dialogue. Social implications – The prospect of collaboration holds promise of social upliftment in the region. Originality/value – The arguments are original to the author.