Given the extent of their economic and geopolitical influence, the four BASIC countries will play an increasingly important role in brokering any future international climate change agreement. Among developing countries, they have the political leverage and economic clout that enables them to play hardball with industrialised countries.

Click on the menus to the right to access related publications, projects and contact persons.

The four countries operate in diverse material and ideological contexts, and differ in their respective contributions to the climate problem.

They may for the time being be partners, in climate diplomacy and in economic relations, but they are also competitors in the quest for global markets and for international status.

Both the partnership and competitive aspects of this dynamic give life to the BASIC forum, as a venue both for cooperation and for keeping an eye on one another.

This policy brief is part of SEI’s ‘Emerging Economies and Climate Change’ series, including briefs on the BASIC group, Brazil, South Africa, India, China, and the USA.

Download policy brief (PDF: 331kb)

Related briefs
Shifting ground: Brazil tackles climate change and deforestation, but rapid growth, energy needs undermine progress

Washington Descends Deeper into Climate Gridlock, California and the States Creep Forward

Shifting Sands: India’s New Approach to the Politics of Climate Change

Balancing climate concerns and energy security: China searching for a new development pathway