The establishment of mutual associations, which gives rise to a network of states, is one of the ways in which nation-states have acted in the globalization process. The rise of the BRICS group - Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa - in 2011 illustrates this scenario and stands out for being an institutionalized alliance from the global South. Over the years, the group has shifted from an economic project to a broader concept as a strategic attempt in search for better cooperation and equitable relations at a global level. The main challenge for BRICS is to bridge their differences and move towards the reinforcement of the group’s bonds and recognition. The path ahead is not only established via traditional diplomacy and trade, but also through the circulation of symbolic and cultural elements.
In light of this context, the doctoral research considers an intra-BRICS angle and focuses on the intersection of foreign news and its ability to frame images of the “Other” as a potential resource of soft power. Thus, based on the acknowledged importance of domestic media spheres, the study aims to verify in what manner foreign news reinforces the integration and soft power of BRICS from a state-to-state representation. In methodological terms, a cross-cultural content and framing analysis will be performed. Epistemologically, by adopting BRICS as an analytical category, the research intends to add to the claimed de-westernization of communication and media studies.
international communication; international broadcasting; soft power; public diplomacy; foreign news; media representation
Universität Erfurt (Campus)
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