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.

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