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In his article D. Munje assesses the relevance of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) for the BRICS countries. The author analyses the reasons which might keep the BRICS countries from joining the EITI. One reason for the BRICS absence from the EITI could relate to strategic political considerations. The stereotype that the EITI is mainly a tool to assist poorly governed resource rich states, essentially in Africa, in strengthening transparent and accountable practices in the management of their natural resources still exists. The BRICS also might perceive implementing the EITI as a sign of allegiance to Western influence.
Munje highlights that the EITI is often proving useful and its implementation could not only assist the BRICS countries to improve their resource governance systems, but also serve as a politically neutral platform through which they could constructively mediate the evolution of global norms on natural resource governance. The EITI implementation by the BRICS could also provide a major boost to the global movement for extractive industry transparency.