The fall of the Wall, the rise of the BRICs and the new Scramble for Africa
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: Africa; Developing countries; Emerging economies; South Africa
Document Type: Research Article
Publication date: 31 May 2011
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