Emerging powers like Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa have seen rapid economic growth and increased global influence. Their political systems often blend democratic and authoritarian elements, facing challenges like corruption, inequality, and weak rule of law.
These nations grapple with identity politics, security forces' roles, and balancing reform with stability. Economic growth drives political change, but uneven gains can fuel discontent. Globalization has integrated emerging powers into the world economy, increasing their influence but also exposing vulnerabilities.
Political Systems in Emerging Powers
Hybrid Systems and Challenges
Top images from around the web for Hybrid Systems and Challenges
Securing Basic Freedoms – American Government (2e) View original
Is this image relevant?
The Division of Powers – American Government (2e – Second Edition) View original
Is this image relevant?
Systems theory in political science - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
Securing Basic Freedoms – American Government (2e) View original
Is this image relevant?
The Division of Powers – American Government (2e – Second Edition) View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Top images from around the web for Hybrid Systems and Challenges
Securing Basic Freedoms – American Government (2e) View original
Is this image relevant?
The Division of Powers – American Government (2e – Second Edition) View original
Is this image relevant?
Systems theory in political science - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
Securing Basic Freedoms – American Government (2e) View original
Is this image relevant?
The Division of Powers – American Government (2e – Second Edition) View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Emerging powers are countries that have experienced rapid economic growth and increased political influence on the global stage in recent decades (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa)
Many emerging powers have hybrid political systems that combine elements of democracy and
Competitive elections alongside restrictions on civil liberties and political opposition
Emerging powers often face challenges that undermine the stability and legitimacy of their political institutions
Corruption
Inequality
Weak rule of law
Identity Politics and Security Forces
Identity politics can exacerbate political tensions and complicate governance in diverse emerging powers
Ethnic divisions
Religious divisions
Regional divisions
The role of the military and security forces in politics varies across emerging powers
Explicit military rule (Thailand)
More subtle forms of influence and intervention (Pakistan)
Emerging powers must balance demands for political reform and participation with concerns about social stability and regime survival
Economic Growth and Political Development
Economic Drivers of Political Change
Economic growth has been a key driver of rising incomes, expanding middle classes, and increased social mobility in many emerging countries
The developmental state model has been influential in some countries
Government actively promotes economic growth and industrialization (China, South Korea)
Economic success can bolster the legitimacy and popularity of ruling parties or leaders
Chinese Communist Party's emphasis on growth and stability
Economic Challenges and Political Instability
Uneven distribution of economic gains can fuel political discontent and demands for greater inclusion and representation
Brazil's protests against inequality and corruption
Economic downturns or crises can expose underlying political weaknesses and trigger social unrest or regime change
Russia's post-Soviet transition
Venezuela's economic collapse and political crisis
Globalization's Impact on Emerging Powers
Integration and Influence
Globalization has facilitated the integration of emerging powers into the world economy
Trade
Investment
Participation in international institutions
Emerging powers have used their growing economic clout to assert greater political influence
In their regions and on the global stage
Through forums like and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
Constraints and Backlash
Exposure to global markets and capital flows can constrain the policy autonomy of emerging powers and make them vulnerable to external shocks
1997 Asian financial crisis
2008 global financial crisis
The rise of emerging powers has challenged the dominance of Western countries in
Calls for reforms to institutions like the United Nations Security Council and the International Monetary Fund
Backlash against globalization in some emerging powers reflects tensions between international integration and domestic politics
India's Hindu nationalism
Brazil's protectionist policies
Political Trajectories of Emerging Powers
China and India
China has maintained a one-party state under the Chinese Communist Party while pursuing market-oriented economic reforms
Rapid growth but limited political liberalization
India, the world's largest democracy, has experienced economic liberalization and the rise of Hindu nationalism under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
Persistent challenges of poverty and inequality
Russia and Brazil
Russia has transitioned from communist rule to a centralized, authoritarian system under President Vladimir Putin
State-dominated economy dependent on energy exports
Brazil emerged from military dictatorship to a vibrant multi-party democracy
Faced , corruption scandals, and economic crisis in recent years
South Africa and Turkey
South Africa's post-apartheid transition to majority rule has been accompanied by the dominance of the African National Congress (ANC)
Challenges of inequality, crime, and corruption
Turkey has seen the rise of Islamist politics under the Justice and Development Party (AKP) and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan
Increasing authoritarianism and tensions with the secular military