Arbitration in the BRICS+ Era: Harmonization, Institutional Practice, and Judicial Enforcement in Brazil
https://doi.org/10.21684/2412-2343-2026-13-2-64-95
Abstract
The expansion of BRICS into BRICS+ has transformed the bloc into a significant actor in global trade and dispute resolution. This article provides the first comprehensive examination of arbitration practices within the BRICS+ framework, combining doctrinal analysis, comparative legal study, and empirical research. It maps the treaty commitments, legislative frameworks, and institutional preferences of BRICS+ jurisdictions. It analyzes over a decade of case law from Brazil’s Superior Court of Justice (2014–2025) concerning the recognition and enforcement of foreign arbitral awards. The findings reveal uneven alignment with the New York Convention, persistent divergences in public policy standards, and notable asymmetries in institutional participation – particularly China’s dominance and Africa’s limited engagement. However, recognition decisions remain overwhelmingly supportive of enforcement, indicating a trend toward convergence. By situating these dynamics within broader debates on regionalization, judicial control, and Global South arbitration initiatives, this study provides new empirical evidence and theoretical insights into how emerging powers are reshaping transnational dispute resolution, offering policy-relevant recommendations to enhance cooperation and harmonize arbitration practices across the BRICS+ landscape.
About the Authors
D. B. Ferreira
DBFLaw
Brazil
Brazil
Daniel Brantes Ferreira – Inpedendent Researcher, Founding Partner
300 Avenida Raymundo Magalhães Jr, bloco 3, Apartment 208, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 22793-050
E. A. Gromova
South Ural State University (National Research University)
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Elizaveta A. Gromova – Professor, Department of Civil Law and Civil Procedure
149 Kommuny St., Chelyabinsk, 454092
B. O. de Farias
School for Judges of the State of Rio de Janeiro – EMERJ
Brazil
Brazil
Bianca Oliveira de Farias – Academic Director
Rua Dom Manuel, nº 25, Centro, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 20010-090
T. Leow
Guangdong WhoBound Law Firm
China
China
Terrence Leow – Senior Partner
Room 1, 2702-2706 Dongjun Sq., 836 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, 510080
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For citations:
Ferreira D.B., Gromova E.A., de Farias B.O., Leow T. Arbitration in the BRICS+ Era: Harmonization, Institutional Practice, and Judicial Enforcement in Brazil. BRICS Law Journal. 2026;13(2):64-95. https://doi.org/10.21684/2412-2343-2026-13-2-64-95
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