32 Chapter Two
Concerns center on factors such as the type of global order that will
emerge with the shift in the global balance of power, following the
transition from unipolar to multipolar systems. Schweller poses the
question of why the rising “revisionist powers” aim to overthrow the
present international order and change it to their alternative view.
Alternatively, the question is asked as to whether the rising powers have
similar views and interests as established powers and if they are prepared
to be assimilated into the present international order as matured partners.^45
All BRICS countries have benefited from the international trade
system and have an interest in ensuring that the system continues. This
stance was reflected at the first meeting of the organisation’s trade
ministers in China in 2011 when they stressed “the importance of a strong,
open, rule-based trading system embodied in the World Trade
Organisation, for providing a stable, equitable and non discriminatory
environment for international trade. They committed themselves to
helping preserve and strengthen the multilateral trading system, as well as
making it increasingly supportive of economic and social development.^46
There is recognition amongst developing countries that the establishment
and development of the multilateral system (pertaining to the WTO and
other Bretton Woods institutions) and the various trade-distorting policies
and practices which have emerged, have been beneficial to the established
economic powers. Principles such as ‘most-favored nation’ and ‘national
treatment’ have allowed for an alliance to emerge that has skewed the
rules in favor of established powers. Baracyhy notes that these rules were
established over numerous rounds of trade negotiations and “embody a
balance of priorities that no longer is supported by economic power
realities.” There is a strong belief that multilateral trading rules must now
change “in order to level the playing field and to reflect a new balance of
power, interest and views is the challenge and main objective of the
DOHA Round and a necessary step for the WTO as an institution.”^47
Should the BRICS continue to expand, the question is not whether the
BRICS can accept the present trade regime, but if the traditional power
can accept a regime that is no longer tailor-made to their interests. Thus, in
effect, the creation of a more leveled playing field that takes into
consideration the aspirations of developing countries including the BRICS
grouping.
(^45) Schweller, “Emerging Powers in an Age of Disorder”, 285-297.
(^46) <www.brics5.co.za>
(^47) Baracyhy,“The Geopolitics of Multilateralism: The WTO Doha Round
Deadlock, the BRICS, and the Challenges of Institutional Power Transition”, 3.