The dynamics of informal institutions and counter-hegemony: introducing a BRICS Convergence Index

Informal institutions are important platforms for renegotiating global governance, but there is disagreement on how they operate and challenge the United States (US). Realists view some informal like Brazil, Russia, India, China South Africa (BRICS) as counter-hegemonic entities, while rational institutionalists focus their structure performance in specific areas. However, neither approach explains internal dynamics that make these robust potentially counter-hegemonic. To fill this gap, we first develop a new convergence analysing institutional dynamics, then apply to examine BRICS robustness BRICS–US relations. Our Convergence Index measures policy of states using novel data set cooperation 47 issues between 2009 2021. Using US preferences same issues, also identify key sites contestation. We find an overall increase limited divergence from across wide range issues. since has engaged with more security after 2015 substantively deepened its cooperation, capability counter influence grown. convergence-focused analysis embraces members’ agency pathways institution building, identifying bind rival countries. As such, it helps explain gain provides empirical insights into rise powers governance reform efforts.