BRICS Expansion in the News Coverage of Member Countries: A Political Economy Perspective

BRICS Expansion in the News Coverage of Member Countries: A Political Economy Perspective
Authors: Fedaa Mohamed Abdelaziz Abdeldayem, Sarah Francis Wadie Kswat
Journal: Journal of Humanities and Applied Social Sciences
Volume & Issue: Volume 7, Issue 1, 2025
 

The article situates the BRICS nations in the intersection of political economy and media studies, analyzing how national newspapers construct narratives about BRICS to influence public understanding, policy debates, and international perception. By conducting content analysis of 11 newspapers from member states, the study identifies patterns in media coverage that reflect both cooperative and competitive dynamics within the bloc.

The research highlights how news coverage shapes awareness of economic and geopolitical strategies, focusing on trade, financial cooperation, and growth. It emphasizes that each country frames BRICS developments in line with its domestic priorities and political context, revealing divergent perspectives on expansion, governance, and multilateral collaboration. For example, The Buenos Aires Times offers a unique lens on Argentina’s prospective membership, illustrating how national considerations affect media portrayal.

Beyond descriptive analysis, the study underscores the practical significance of media narratives in policymaking, investment decision-making, and fostering cross-cultural understanding. By linking news coverage to problem-driven economic analysis, the research illustrates the media’s role as a mechanism for aligning stakeholder perspectives and promoting coherent economic strategies.

Socially, the article contributes to media literacy and civic engagement by encouraging critical evaluation of economic and political narratives. It demonstrates that informed coverage can strengthen public discourse, facilitate dialogue among member states, and support sustainable development initiatives within BRICS. Overall, the study offers an original perspective on the interplay between media, politics, and economic development, emphasizing the importance of news in shaping the internal and external perception of BRICS and its global influence.