First Textbook on the Socio‑Economic Characteristics of BRICS Countries Published in Russia
On 7 April 2026, a press conference was held at the Rossiya Segodnya International Multimedia Press Centre to present a groundbreaking textbook, titled Socio‑Economic Characteristics of the BRICS Countries. Prepared with the support of the BRICS Expert Council‑Russia, the publication aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the main development trends in BRICS member states.
The press conference featured Victoria Panova, Head of the BRICS Expert Council‑Russia, Vice Rector at HSE University, and Russia's Sherpa to the Women 20 (W20); Alexandra Morozkina, Associate Professor at the School of World Economy under the Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs at HSE University; and Marina Sheresheva, Head of the Laboratory for Institutional Analysis and Director of Research Centre for Network Economy under the Faculty of Economics at Lomonosov Moscow State University.
Victoria Panova noted that the publication of the first comprehensive textbook on the BRICS countries represents an important step in advancing the academic agenda and training a new generation of professionals.
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BRICS today is surrounded by myths. Many of those who write about the group lack a genuine understanding of its nature and objectives. That is precisely why an academic textbook—rooted in systems analysis and scientific standards—is so essential. Such a book does more than organise knowledge; it helps build a more objective understanding of BRICS's role in the modern international system. The textbook presented today is valuable not only for students and researchers specialising in BRICS. It can also serve anyone interested in global processes who wants to understand how this group is evolving and where it fits into the global economy. Systematising such a large body of information is a major contribution to the development of BRICS studies.
Victoria Panova
Head of the BRICS Expert Council‑Russia, Vice Rector at HSE University, and Russia's Sherpa to the Women 20 (W20)
Alexandra Morozkina presented the key textbook sections and highlighted its practical value for the educational process.
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There is a vast amount of material on BRICS, but it is very diverse. Some works provide in-depth analysis of individual aspects, others offer a brief overview, and many are quite complex for students. We wanted to create a structured textbook that would allow for a systematic study of the BRICS economies. Developing the textbook came with significant challenges, primarily related to the group expansion. When BRICS membership nearly doubled during the preparation process, we had to quickly bring in new experts and adapt the content. Ultimately, this allowed us to make the textbook more relevant and better reflect the current realities of BRICS development.
Alexandra Morozkina
Associate Professor at the School of World Economy under the Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs at HSE University
Marina Sheresheva, who served as the academic reviewer of the publication, emphasised its timeliness, given the growing role of BRICS in the global economy.
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Today, BRICS is increasingly seen as a group that can play a key role in the global economy. Just a few years ago, many doubted its sustainability, but now it is clear that BRICS is an important platform for international cooperation. That's what makes this textbook so timely.
Marina Sheresheva
Head of the Laboratory for Institutional Analysis and Director of Research Centre for Network Economy under the Faculty of Economics at Lomonosov Moscow State University
The book details the key indicators and development trends of the BRICS countries, covering demographics, economic growth, public finances, foreign trade, investment processes, regional economic structure, and the social sector.
In the textbook, special emphasis is placed on economic reforms across the BRICS nations, exploring how these changes have shaped long‑term development paths and what they mean for each country's potential output. Separate sections are devoted to demographic processes and the position of the BRICS members within the global innovation system.
The publication marks an important milestone in the development of academic and expert dialogue on BRICS topics, as well as a contribution to training a new generation of specialists—professionals who will be equipped to analyse and make sense of the complex processes shaping the global economy.