The BRICS through the prism of liminality theory
The actual debate about the BRICS, its future and role in the international relations provoked more questions than answers. The first of those it is finding a framework for analysis. How can we describe this organizational link between five very different states? In this paper, using Victor Tuner`s theory of liminality, we will try to present the BRICS as a liminal structure where the elements are connected by “communitas”, which is not a structural link but rather a modality of link. This “communitas”, which has a non-structural, spontaneous character, gives a particular hope to “member” states in their aspiration to obtain a higher status in international relations. However, all strategies aimed at achieving this goal remain vague because of the liminal character of the structure of international relations, which is “between and betwixt” the multipolar and unipolar. A period of liminality is that of scrutinization of the central values and axioms of the structure, and in this situation, the BRICS with its attempts to revise a hierarchy through the established rituals can be an interesting example of new structural possibilities, which used to be limited by the same structure.