Where will BRICS Go Next? Considerations on State and Constitution in a Comparative Perspective

Abstract

The BRICS is characterised as an extremely heterogeneous international cooperation model which demonstrates a high level of complexity as it is composed of countries having different cultural backgrounds which adapt their differences into a factor that sustains the existence of the grouping and achieves its common goals. In a specific way, the comparative investigation of the distinct perceptions of State and Constitution appear to be a useful research approach better to understand the international institutional complexities. Therefore, to explain the BRICS phenomenon I explore the perception of State and Constitution for each BRICS member using a comparative approach which enables a better understanding of internal differences and how these influence the construction of the collective identity of the grouping and its forms of cooperation. This article aims to analyse, from a comparative perspective, the different perceptions of State and Constitution in BRICS members so as to identify the constituent elements of their diversities and heterogeneity in addressing one of the principal topics of the current international political agenda – global governance.