Schaefer and Poffenbarger assess whether the BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) are attempting to balance US power and analyze the United States' responses to the creation of this IGO through a mix of theoretical and policy-focused approaches.

Mark E. Schaefer is Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Political Science at Marietta College. He earned his Ph.D. in Political Science from West Virginia University in 2005. John G. Poffenbarger is Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Social Sciences and Modern Language at Wheeling Jesuit University. He earned his Ph.D. from West Virginia University in 2005.