Introduction: Thesis. (+) - ANS The rise of the economic power of BRICS countries represents a
significant power shift in the global political economy.
Introduction: Is the power being shifted directly toward the BRICS? What is the mere existence of BRICS
attempting to do? (SPE-HBRR-C) - ANS This power shift in STRUCTURAL, POLITICAL or ECONOMIC power
is not a "HANDOVER" of power to the BRICS countries- yet, it is an attempt to REDUCE Western
dominance and to REFORM the current global political economic system where power is more dispersed
internationally.
CHALLENGE the dominant Western neoliberal global economic system.
Introduction: What is the BRICS Development Bank seen as a first step toward according to Nevin? (LC) -
ANS The BRICS Development Bank is seen as a first step towards LARGER economic, trade and
investment COOPERATION, therefore introducing an imminent power shift in the global political
economy (Nevin).
Introduction: What did Vladimir Putin state the BRICS bank's goal was? (S) - ANS Vladimir Putin- the
bank's goal was to SUPPLEMENT the current global financial structure rather than replace it.
Additional Info: What are two main goals of the BRICS? (FP) - ANS 1. Its purpose is to FUND
development and infrastructure, lend to members during crisis, and issue convertible debt.
2. CRA provides additional equity PROTECTION incase they experience a financial shock or are having
trouble to pay them back.
Additional Info: When was the BRICS Development Bank (NDB) and the Contingent Reserve
Arrangement (CRA) founded? - ANS 2014.
, What do the BRICS ultimately disagree with? (D) - ANS The whole philosophy of subsidizing
(contributing to) economic DEPENDENCY.
Argument One: What is my first argument? (CS) - ANS The BRICS New Development Bank's presence
CHALLENGES the STRUCTURAL power that the USA possesses in the global political economy.
Argument One, Intro: How does the WB/IMF policies allow the USA to pursue control over another
country? (CPC) - ANS Although these countries are free from COLONIAL ties, the USA is nevertheless
able to PURSUE control over another country through the use of CONDITIONALITY thus using a set
country for its own pursuits.
Argument One: Define Structural Power. - ANS The power to shape the parameters/structures within
which actors operate (Strange).
Argument One, First Evidence: How do the BRICS NDB challenge the Structural Power of the USA? (AFW)
- ANS Offering an ALTERNATIVE financial institution aimed towards FREEING itself and other countries
from the WESTERN-dominated financial institutions.
Argument One, Second Evidence: Why does the USA feel threatened by the BRICS? (CO-S-N) - ANS A
concept apart of Structural Power is about how an Actor can change the range of CHOICE available
without OBVIOUSLY pressuring them. Threatening because...
1. Gives developing countries SOME choice as to which bank to borrow from- therefore decreasing the
USA's power.
2. It is challenging the dominant NEOLIBERAL system as to which they benefit the most from.
Argument One, Second Evidence Example: In what ways do the BRICS possess power over Security,
Production, Credit, and Knowledge? (S: F- P: I- C: M- K: F) - ANS Security: Can offer FINANCIAL security
to countries who borrow from them without conditions.