The dynamics of informal institutions and counter-hegemony

Introducing a BRICS Convergence Index

Bibliographic Data

ID7770946
AuthorsMihaela Papa (0000-0003-1693-9920, Tufts University, corresponding author), Zhen Han (0000-0003-1104-0609, Sacred Heart University, USA; Tufts University, USA), Frank O’Donnell (0000-0001-7832-1697, The Stimson Center, USA; Tufts University, USA)
Year2023
Volume29
Issue4
Pages960-989
Publication date2023-12-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueEuropean Journal of International Relations (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1354-0661 • E-ISSN: 1460-3713
PublisherSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/13540661231183352
OpenAlexW4384300007
LanguageEN
Citations received11
References cited61

Informal institutions are important platforms for renegotiating global governance, but there is disagreement on how they operate and challenge the United States (US). Realists view some informal institutions like Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) as counter-hegemonic entities, while rational institutionalists focus on their structure and performance in specific areas. However, neither approach explains the internal dynamics that make these institutions robust and potentially counter-hegemonic. To fill this gap, we first develop a new convergence approach for analysing informal institutional dynamics, and then we apply this approach to examine BRICS robustness and BRICS–US relations. Our BRICS Convergence Index measures policy convergence of the BRICS states using a novel data set of BRICS cooperation on 47 policy issues between 2009 and 2021. Using data on US policy preferences on the same issues, we also identify the key sites of BRICS–US contestation. We find an overall increase in BRICS policy convergence and limited divergence from US preferences across a wide range of policy issues. However, since BRICS has engaged with more security issues after 2015 and substantively deepened its cooperation, its capability to counter US influence has grown. Our convergence-focused analysis of informal institutions embraces members’ agency and pathways for institution building, while identifying the issues that bind rival countries. As such, it helps explain how informal institutions gain robustness and provides empirical insights into the rise of new powers and global governance reform efforts

Corporate governance · Economic growth · Economic system · Economics · Hegemony · Institution · Political economy · Political science · Politics · China's Socioeconomic Reforms and Governance · Corruption and Economic Development · International Development and Aid

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