This book is an excellent and concise primer for students of international relations and African Studies interested in understanding the evolving global power shift and Africa's place within it. By carefully deconstructing the acronym BRICS, Carmody expose its limitations as an analytical tool for understanding structural change, and then proceeds to provide important pointers on how Africa should respond to the challenge posed by the increasing influence of Brazil, Russia, India and China on Africa's development.

Fantu Cheru, co-editor of The Rise of China and India in Africa

The role of emerging economies has been acknowledged as playing an important role in diversifying Africa's international relations and thus granting Africa new and exciting possibilities. Emblematized by the BRICS, a great deal of excitement has been generated to suggest that not only is Africa on the up but that this is taking place within a global context where we are on the cusp of radically changing the global order, one that will be favourable to the developing world. With the BRICS being cast as playing leading roles in such processes, Pádraig Carmody's book critically interrogates the nature and implications for Africa of the BRICS, situating his study within a wider analysis of the processes associated with globalization. This is an important analysis and required reading for all those interested in the future of Africa's international relations.

Ian Taylor, author of The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation

A well-researched and highly readable analysis of the BRICS in Africa

Oliver Stuenkel in Post-Western World

This is an excellent and bold book. The author provides both detailed evidence and well-honed judgement in entering several controversial areas and providing balanced insights and a platform for proper debate - without hysteria and mythologization.

Stephen Chan, editor of The Morality of China in Africa