Brazil, Russia, India, China—widely identified as a grouping of countries identified by the acronym BRIC—are often pointed to as emerging super states that are rearranging the world order. In addition, Indonesia, the world’s fourth largest country by population with more than 237 million people, has frequently been proposed as a BRIC candidate due to its large market potential and strong economic performance in recent years. With 43 percent of the world's population and economies that have been resilient during much of the world downturn over the past decade, the BRIC countries have risen with startling speed and are quickly becoming influential actors in world affairs. The BRIC phenomenon raises many questions about the role and significance of public administration in the success of these countries. Are there lessons for developed countries, many of which seem to be facing prolonged economic and social challenges?

Are the public administration experiences in the BRIC countries and other emerging economies at the new frontier of practice and theory in the field? If not, is there a new frontier evolving? The 2012 ICPA will explore the administrative dynamics of developing and emerging states and developed countries whose economies and governance are shifting with the uncertainty and turbulence that has gripped the world order in recent years.

Papers and proposals for identifying and meeting these challenges and opportunities are welcomed. Case studies, survey research, best practices, and comparative analyses between and among countries are especially solicited. We are especially receptive to proposals that focus on the sub-themes below but would encourage submissions that bring new ideas and innovative practices to any aspect of the overall conference theme.