The changing structure of international politics: BRICS as a new hegemony tool (2008-2023)

This thesis examines the BRICS formation that emerged with the 2008 global financial crisis and its impact on the international system during the period between 2008 and 2023. With the onset of the crisis, the hegemony of the United States within the international system began to decline, while China's influence started to rise. As U.S. dominance waned, China's growing role in the system also led it to begin challenging American hegemony. The fact that BRICS was established within such a conjuncture suggests that it has assumed a mediating role in a potential shift of global hegemony. Considering both the increasing influence of BRICS among its member states and in the wider international system, it is evident that China is the only power capable of competing with the United States. In this context, it is argued that U.S. hegemony may be replaced by Chinese hegemony, and that BRICS plays a significant role in the establishment of a new hegemonic order. Given BRICS's goals and the establishment of institutions such as the New Development Bank, it becomes clear that BRICS is also creating a new form of dependency. On the other hand, U.S. hegemony in the international system and global trade has been largely maintained through dollar dominance and institutions like the IMF and World Bank, which were founded after the end of World War II in 1945. This indicates that the United States has sustained its global dominance for 78 years. After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the U.S. emerged as the sole superpower. Therefore, it can be stated that a hegemonic transition in the international system will not happen overnight, but rather over the long term, with China gradually becoming the new hegemonic power. In conclusion, this thesis argues not only that U.S. hegemony is weakening and China's influence is increasing, but also that BRICS will play a role in the transition of global hegemony. However, rather than acting as a savior for developing countries, BRICS—through the New Development Bank and possibly through future institutions—seeks to expand its influence and establish a new form of dependency. Furthermore, it is concluded that BRICS member states have also been involved in the exploitation of countries, particularly in regions such as Africa. Therefore, BRICS does not function as a liberating force for developing or underdeveloped nations; rather, it appears to be shifting these countries' long-standing dependency from the United States to China. In this regard, BRICS seems to fulfill a role and mission similar to that of other Western-dominated institutions.