| By Eliana Pisons |

The world of international diplomacy and geopolitics has undergone a profound transformation in recent decades, with the emergence of the BRICS countries as a notable driving force. BRICS, an acronym representing Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, encapsulates an ambitious mission that has the potential to reshape the global landscape in significant ways. United by common economic interests, geopolitical aspirations, and a shared commitment to fostering cooperation, these nations are proving that collective action can yield transformative results.

The fifteenth BRICS summit is most notable for the new efforts of expansion, broadening the group’s reach and influence, transforming itself into a coalition of recognition that is evolving globally. Held in Johannesburg, South Africa, on 22 August, the five leaders, with Russia’s President Putin attending virtually, met to further discuss growth, the international monetary system, and the representation and development of their collective members. The summit marks a pivotal moment in the group’s history, reaffirming its relevance and adaptability. 

The BRICS Mission

At the heart of the BRICS mission lies a collective effort to influence global economic dynamics. Together, these five nations represent a substantial portion of the world’s population, geographical area, and economic output. As a collective, these nations generally hold no hostility towards the West; however, they have grown increasingly disillusioned with the misapplication of sanctions and the Western world’s dominant economic control. These ideas have resulted in the potential for the BRICS nations to develop an exclusive trading currency, but it is unclear how that would work in practice. Through cooperative efforts, BRICS countries aim to challenge the 3 traditional centers of economic power, offering an alternative narrative that underscores the importance of emerging economies in shaping the future of the global economy.

The BRICS mission extends beyond economic considerations, venturing into the realm of geopolitics. These countries recognize the importance of diversifying the global power structure, which has historically been dominated by Western nations. The BRICS members, a truly diverse collective, may be seen as a “negative coalition of states,” even though they may not always agree, they find strength in their capacity to forge consensus regarding the things they oppose (Maihold 2023). Through their collaboration, BRICS countries aim to create a more balanced and multipolar international order. 

BRICS Opportunities and Challenges

While the BRICS mission holds great promise, it is not without its challenges. The diverse interests and priorities of the member countries can lead to complexities in decision-making and implementation. Some conflicts of interest already exist regarding Brazil, which seeks to increase the BRICS’s impact but does not possess the same diplomatic influence as other members. India and Saudi Arabia’s positive relations with the United States will battle with China and Russia’s drive for greater anti-western policies. Overcoming these challenges requires a steadfast commitment to diplomacy, compromise, and shared objectives. The world will watch closely to see how effectively these nations navigate the complexities and harness their collective potential.

The Path Ahead for BRICS

In conclusion, the BRICS mission represents a significant chapter in the ongoing narrative of global cooperation and diplomacy. As these five emerging economies collaborate to shape the world’s economic, geopolitical, and developmental landscapes, they demonstrate the power of unity in a rapidly changing world. Over 40 countries have applied to join and Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Argentina, Egypt, and Ethiopia are set to join in January 2024. The influence of the BRICS countries will undoubtedly continue to grow, as their mission to challenge conventions, drive development, and promote cooperation reverberates far beyond their individual borders.

Photo Credit: BRICS