Global geopolitics is undergoing a profound transformation, and BRICS, this group of emerging powers, is at the heart of this dynamic. As economic and political tensions with the West continue to rise, more than thirty countries have expressed their desire to join this strategic alliance. The BRICS have gathered in Kazan for their annual summit from 22-24 October 2024 and are trying to reshape the global balance.
Strategic expansion for a multipolar world
Vladimir Putin’s announcement at the last BRICS summit had a bombshell effect: more than thirty countries officially applied to join the alliance. “We are witnessing a historic moment when many states are trying to free themselves from Western hegemony,” the Russian president said at the opening. This desire for membership reflects a shared desire to reshape the current global power structure in favor of a multipolar order. Since its formation in 2009, the BRICS countries have gradually expanded their influence, with the integration of South Africa in 2010 and countries such as Ethiopia, Iran and Egypt in 2023.
This enthusiasm for the group is mainly motivated by the promise of strengthening the weight of its members within the main global economic bodies such as the IMF or the WTO, institutions still dominated by the West. For these countries, joining the BRICS represents an opportunity to diversify economic partners, but above all to reduce dependence on the dollar. “The BRICS have become a symbol of resistance to the current economic order,” said Putin, who points to economic sanctions and protectionist policies that weaken the global economy.
The growing geopolitical role of the BRICS
Apart from the economic aspects, this expansion also has great geopolitical significance. Russia and China, two of the pillars of BRICS, are now using this alliance to assert their position against the United States and its allies. Therefore, Chinese President Xi Jinping also insisted on the need for the BRICS to remain united in the face of international challenges, especially the conflict in Ukraine. “We have to oppose the escalation of conflicts,” he declared, mentioning proposals for mediation coming from some member states.
The presence of new countries such as Iran or Egypt within the group also strengthens the influence of BRICS in the Middle East and Africa, two strategic regions for the global geopolitical balance. The expansion could also redefine international trade relations, as several members want to create alternative payment systems to circumvent Western economic sanctions. In the long term, BRICS could thus become a fundamental platform for countries trying to free themselves from Western control.
This unprecedented expansion of the BRICS represents a decisive step in the transformation of international relations. If this alliance manages to maintain its effectiveness despite the integration of many new members, it could well redraw the contours of global governance. However, it will be a challenge to reconcile the sometimes divergent interests of its members and face many economic and political tensions. The BRICS, with this dynamic of expansion, have clearly laid the foundations of a new multipolar world order.
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A graduate of Sciences Po Toulouse and holder of the blockchain consultant certification issued by Alyra, I joined the Cointribune adventure in 2019. Convinced of the potential of blockchain to transform many sectors of the economy, I made a commitment to raise awareness and inform the general public about this ever-evolving ecosystem. My goal is to enable everyone to better understand blockchain and take advantage of the opportunities it offers. Every day I try to provide an objective analysis of current events, decipher market trends, convey the latest technological innovations and put into perspective the economic and social problems of this ongoing revolution.
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