1. Which of the following states are classified as the BRICS?

1. Belgium, Romania, Iceland, Canada. Sweden
2. Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa
3. Britain, Rwanda, Ireland, Cuba, Singapore
4. Bahrain, Reunion, Iran, Cameroon, Switzerland

2. Which of the following is true of the way that the BRICS have impacted upon international governance?

1. They have now become permanent members of the United Nations Security Council
2. They are all now members of the G20
3. The BRICS have managed in some instances to act together to strengthen their position vis-à-vis traditionally powerful states such as the US
4. None of the above.

3. The US interest in Asia (also known as the ‘Pivot to Asia’) is reflective of the

1. Assumption that counties such as Indonesia and Vietnam will become major military powers in the region
2. Belief that many states in Asia (especially China and India) have become a major economic, political and military focal point in the 21st Century
3. Realisation that in the face of increasingly hostile Asian states, the US feels compelled to protect its traditional allies in the region including Australia and New Zealand
4. None of the above.

4. What might be the key characteristics that have set the BRICS apart?

1. Increased influence and participation in international organisations such as the United Nations
2. Increasing economic and military capabilities
3. Increasing capacity for independent action in order to fulfill their own national interests
4. All of the above

5. South Africa’s economy and population are smaller than that of Nigeria. Why, then, is it included as one of the BRICS?

1. It has a powerful military able to project power regionally
2. It has a close economic relationship with China, which has huge financial interests in the country in fields such as mining, banking and infrastructure projects
3. It is heavily involved in UN peacekeeping operations in Africa
4. It is a nuclear weapon state