The Role of BRICS in Shaping the New World Order: A Case Study of South Africa’s Influence and Opportunities in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)

Year 2025, Volume: 5 Issue: 2, 91 - 112

Abraham Ename Minko

https://doi.org/10.62334/ulipod.1605176

Abstract

This research explores the pivotal role of BRICS in shaping the new world order, focusing specifically on South Africa’s influence and opportunities within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). As a key member of BRICS, South Africa leverages its strategic position to enhance regional integration, economic growth, and geopolitical influence in Africa. The study examines how South Africa’s participation in BRICS facilitates its leadership in AfCFTA, promoting trade liberalization, investment, and sustainable development across the continent. By analyzing South Africa’s diplomatic strategies, trade policies, and economic initiatives, this research highlights the potential for AfCFTA to catalyze broader economic transformation and regional stability. Additionally, the study evaluates the implications of BRICS’ collective agenda for global governance, multilateralism, and South-South cooperation, emphasizing the role of emerging economies in redefining international norms and power dynamics. Through a comprehensive case study approach, the research identifies key opportunities and challenges for South Africa within AfCFTA, offering insights into the broader impact of BRICS on the global economic landscape.

Keywords

Geopolitical Influence, BRICS, South Africa, African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA, Regional Integration, Economic Growth

Yeni Dünya Düzeninin Şekillendirilmesinde BRICS’in Rolü: Güney Afrika’nın Etkisi ve Afrika Kıtasal Serbest Ticaret Bölgesi’ndeki (AfCFTA) Fırsatları Üzerine Bir Vaka Çalışması

Abstract

Bu araştırma, yeni dünya düzeninin şekillendirilmesinde BRICS’in kritik rolünü incelemekte ve özellikle Güney Afrika’nın Afrika Kıtasal Serbest Ticaret Bölgesi’ndeki (AfCFTA) etkisi ve fırsatlarına odaklanmaktadır. BRICS’in önemli bir üyesi olarak Güney Afrika, stratejik konumunu kullanarak bölgesel entegrasyonu, ekonomik büyümeyi ve Afrika’daki jeopolitik etkisini artırmaktadır. Çalışma, Güney Afrika’nın BRICS içindeki katılımının, AfCFTA liderliğini nasıl kolaylaştırdığını, ticaretin serbestleşmesini, yatırımları ve kıta genelinde sürdürülebilir kalkınmayı nasıl teşvik ettiğini incelemektedir. Güney Afrika’nın diplomatik stratejileri, ticaret politikaları ve ekonomik girişimleri analiz edilerek, AfCFTA’nın daha geniş ekonomik dönüşüm ve bölgesel istikrar için bir katalizör olma potansiyeli vurgulanmaktadır. Ayrıca, çalışma BRICS’in kolektif gündeminin küresel yönetişim, çok taraflılık ve Güney-Güney iş birliği üzerindeki etkilerini değerlendirmekte ve yükselen ekonomilerin uluslararası normları ve güç dinamiklerini yeniden tanımlamadaki rolünü ön plana çıkarmaktadır. Kapsamlı bir vaka analizi yaklaşımıyla, araştırma Güney Afrika’nın AfCFTA içindeki temel fırsat ve zorluklarını belirleyerek, BRICS’in küresel ekonomik yapıya etkisine dair önemli içgörüler sunmaktadır.

Keywords

BRICS, Güney Afrika, Afrika Kıtasal Serbest Ticaret Bölgesi, AfCFTA, Bölgesel Entegrasyon, Ekonomik Büyüme, Jeopolitik Etki

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