The Geopolitics and Economics of BRICS’ Resource and Market Access in Southern Africa: Aiding Development or Creating Dependency?

What has been the impact of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) on southern African states’ development policy, practice and outcomes? Have they allowed for the creation of development space and, potentially, the emergence of developmental states, or has their influence reinforced the extractive, neo-liberal nature of most southern African economies? Drawing on key informant interviews with policy analysts and shapers in South Africa, trade data and secondary sources, this article explores the BRICS countries’ relations with, and strategies towards, the region, with a specific focus on the impact of China and South Africa. It explores the nature and influence of BRICS countries’ engagement in the region and the potential for policy space opened up by this.