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Bharat and Brasil: In Search of Status

Nordanfors Thorsson, Axel Ebbe LU (2025) STVK04 20251
Department of Political Science
Abstract (Swedish)
This paper analyses how international status aspiration influences the foreign policy decisions of two emerging powers, India and Brazil. Drawing on status theory, specifically social identity theory, the research examines how the two countries pursue similar global and regional recognition goals despite significantly different geopolitical environments, histories, and populations. Further, they aim for symbolic equality with major powers, increased representation in international institutions and a larger voice for the Global South. It is a comparative case study of Brazil and India utilising a Most Different Systems Design, as the two cases with divergent conditions have a shared outcome: active status-seeking foreign policy. The paper... (More)
This paper analyses how international status aspiration influences the foreign policy decisions of two emerging powers, India and Brazil. Drawing on status theory, specifically social identity theory, the research examines how the two countries pursue similar global and regional recognition goals despite significantly different geopolitical environments, histories, and populations. Further, they aim for symbolic equality with major powers, increased representation in international institutions and a larger voice for the Global South. It is a comparative case study of Brazil and India utilising a Most Different Systems Design, as the two cases with divergent conditions have a shared outcome: active status-seeking foreign policy. The paper focuses on their respective contribution and engagement in multilateral forums such as BRICS and the G20; their campaigns for reforms within the UN Security Council and their increased contribution to South-South cooperation. The findings of this paper suggest that status serves as a key driver of foreign policy and is universally shared regardless of differences. This comparative perspective gives a deeper understanding of how emerging powers navigate international hierarchies in pursuit of status. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Nordanfors Thorsson, Axel Ebbe LU
supervisor
organization
alternative title
The Role of Status in India's and Brazil's Foreign Policy
course
STVK04 20251
year
type
M2 - Bachelor Degree
subject
keywords
India, Brazil, Status Theory, Global South, Emerging Powers, Foreign Policy
language
English
id
9189901
date added to LUP
2025-08-08 11:08:52
date last changed
2025-08-08 11:08:52
@misc{9189901,
  abstract     = {{This paper analyses how international status aspiration influences the foreign policy decisions of two emerging powers, India and Brazil. Drawing on status theory, specifically social identity theory, the research examines how the two countries pursue similar global and regional recognition goals despite significantly different geopolitical environments, histories, and populations. Further, they aim for symbolic equality with major powers, increased representation in international institutions and a larger voice for the Global South. It is a comparative case study of Brazil and India utilising a Most Different Systems Design, as the two cases with divergent conditions have a shared outcome: active status-seeking foreign policy. The paper focuses on their respective contribution and engagement in multilateral forums such as BRICS and the G20; their campaigns for reforms within the UN Security Council and their increased contribution to South-South cooperation. The findings of this paper suggest that status serves as a key driver of foreign policy and is universally shared regardless of differences. This comparative perspective gives a deeper understanding of how emerging powers navigate international hierarchies in pursuit of status.}},
  author       = {{Nordanfors Thorsson, Axel Ebbe}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Bharat and Brasil: In Search of Status}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}