BRICS na África: neocolonialismo? Uma análise sobre as relações econômicas entre BRICS e África sob a perspectiva decolonial

Abstract

The economic and political rise of the BRICS facing the stagnation and decline of the great powers of the Western World brought the idea that this international arrengement could be an alternative over the North hegemony. Some authors see the BRICS as a status quo challenger, while others keep some skepticism about whether they are real challengers or not. The main goal of this paper is to provide a critical analysis about BRICS‟ position in the world system by means of its economic relations with Africa, under perspectives of neocolonialisms. In order to do so, the theoretical basis of this work will be part of the subaltern studies in which it is discussed ontological elements such as colonialism, eurocentrism and global modernity in the interest of understanding BRICS‟ international position in the world scene. In addition, some characteristics of the economic relations maintained by each member state of the grouping with some African countries are explained. These relations are shaped by the capitalist logic of accumulation of wealth by the BRICS, which intensifies the dependence of the African continent and contradicts horizontality of the South-South discourse propagated by the coalition. Finally, in this sense, the neocolonialist position regarding the presence of the BRICS in Africa is presented, as accumulation of wealth and dependence are key concepts of colonialism.