Algeria and the BRICS: What is the most useful form of cooperation for Algeria?

Abstract

This paper aims to study the form cooperation could take between the members of the “BRICS +” and to examine the form that would allow Algeria to benefit in case of a likely future accession to the “BRICS”. In this sense, we have shed light on three forms or models of economic cooperation, namely, the circle-and-spoke model, the hub-and-spoke model and the cobweb model. In our quest to dissect the outputs of the Johannesburg Summit and subsequently deduce the corresponding form of cooperation, we were forced to make a geopolitical hypothesis and we came to the conclusion that only China is the beneficiary of this choice and that the form of cooperation between the members of the organization is changing from a circle-and-spoke network model which is considered as a “win-win” model to a hub-and-spoke network model where China is the sole ruling power of the organization. This new mode of cooperation no longer gives the advantages so hoped for by Algeria and risks forcing Algeria out of its traditional non-aligned policy.