The 5 countries, Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, have just decided to enlarge to 6 others, while 23 others are knocking on the door. Is an alternative UN about to be born? What is the economic and strategic power of the BRICS? What prospects open up? Are the five countries cohesive and homogeneous? What is the impact on the climate? The book seeks answers to these and numerous other questions, posing several that still await working hypotheses. Many statistical data and images are inserted into the text in order to frame and clarify the topic covered. An opportunity for those who want to learn more.