From Analysts’ Minds to Formal Groupings: The Rise of Emerging Powers

This chapter addresses the rise of emerging powers, as a fundamental part of the process of global order transformation occurring since the beginning of the twenty-first century. This process has led, on one hand, to the development of theoretical considerations concerning shifts in power within the international system, and on the other, to the creation and evolution of the very concept of “emerging powers”, as well as various categorisations of new actors on the global stage. The chapter’s aim is to clarify the terminology and outline the essence of the changing global order by presenting selected economic and demographic indicators related to the rising significance of emerging powers. Furthermore, it explores ways of institutionalising their cooperation and their aspirations on the international stage.