Ten years ago, Jim O'Neill made an impressive prediction: The G7 countries - including the USA, the UK, and Japan - would cease to be the economic superpowers of the planet. With globalization, a new era dawned, in which four emerging powers with large populations, accelerating urbanization rates, an abundance of raw materials, and grand ambitions - Brazil, Russia, India, and China - would surpass the largest economies of the West. The BRICs were born.

No other economic idea has defined the 21st century to a greater extent and with more accuracy. In the past decade, the economies of the four BRICs have significantly grown and are now among the ten largest economies in the world. Jim O'Neill's prediction has triggered economic and social changes, created new political structures, and challenged the thinking of top entrepreneurs, governments, and politicians.

But what will the future hold? Can the BRICs sustain their high levels of economic growth? Which other nations will shift economic power even further south and east?

In this landmark book, Jim O'Neill analyzes the methods and reasons behind the development of one of the most exciting ideas of our time. He also presents the 'Next Eleven' rapidly developing countries that could have a global impact comparable to that of the BRICs (Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, South Korea, Turkey, and Vietnam), and redefines which countries have the most potential to become Major Markets.

The world needs economic growth. The world needs a 'Map of Development'.

It is not necessary for globalization to equate to Americanization; there is the possibility for other countries to provide their own definition of globalization based on their unique characteristics. Even today, there are Americans who feel that if China is allowed to become as powerful as the United States, it will challenge everything America represents. In 2001, this mindset was widespread. I wanted to put an end to this kind of reasoning: To help humanity see globalization as beneficial for all.

This was the deeper idea of my article published in November 2001, which continues to influence me today. In this book, I will outline how these four countries progressed far beyond my expectations, how their actions encouraged and inspired other emerging countries to join the global economy, how they are helping the West recover economically after the 2008 crisis, and why their role will be crucial for a better economic future for all of us.