National Challenges
Each of the BRICs struggles with its particular problems. Russia is particularly vulnerable. It depends on various energy and mineral exports for revenue. Erratic swings in commodity prices complicate setting budgets and planning programs. Additionally, Russia is considered riskier because of long-simmering tensions with the West and a legal and political infrastructure that imposes the rule of man. Going forward, besides its aging and declining population, Russia's oligarchic government and crumbling infrastrue confound growth projections. Hence, some advisr replacing the BRIC notion with that of "BICs.