The fall of the Wall, the rise of the BRICs and the new Scramble for Africa
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.
Keywords
Citation
Kahn, M. (2011), "The fall of the Wall, the rise of the BRICs and the new Scramble for Africa", Foresight, Vol. 13 No. 3, pp. 38-49. https://doi.org/10.1108/14636681111138758
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2011, Emerald Group Publishing Limited