- More than 30 countries have applied to join BRICS, a strategic alliance seeking to reshape global power dynamics and reduce dependence on Western institutions.
- This expansion represents a shift towards a multipolar world order, strengthening BRICS’ geopolitical and economic influence.
The geopolitical landscape is undergoing a profound transformation as over 30 countries have officially expressed interest in joining the BRICS alliance, according to Russian President Vladimir Putin. This announcement, made during the BRICS summit in Kazan from October 22 to 24, 2024, has sent shockwaves through global circles. The BRICS group, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, is now poised to significantly alter the global power structure, challenging the dominance of Western institutions.
BRICS was originally founded in 2009 with the aim of creating an alternative power bloc to Western-dominated economic systems such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Trade Organization (WTO). South Africa joined the group in 2010, followed by Ethiopia, Iran, and Egypt in 2023. Now, this strategic alliance is set to grow even larger, with dozens of countries lining up to become part of this influential coalition.
According to Putin, this influx of membership applications reflects a historic moment. “We are witnessing a collective desire of many nations to break free from Western hegemony,” he stated during the summit. The growing interest in joining BRICS is largely driven by a shared vision of reshaping the current global order into a multipolar system, where power is distributed more equitably among different global regions.
BRICS Expansion: Economic and Geopolitical Motivations
The potential expansion of BRICS is not only motivated by economic interests but also by significant geopolitical factors. For many nations, joining BRICS offers an opportunity to diversify their economic partnerships, particularly reducing their reliance on the US dollar and minimizing exposure to Western economic sanctions. Putin noted that BRICS has become a “symbol of resistance” against the current economic order, highlighting how sanctions and protectionist policies have strained the global economy.
This expansion could also lead to major changes in how global trade is conducted. Several BRICS countries, including Russia and China, have been working on alternative payment systems that bypass Western financial infrastructures, potentially leading to a decreased role for the dollar in international transactions. The group’s ability to establish such systems could further weaken the grip of Western financial institutions on global trade.
Beyond economics, the BRICS expansion carries significant geopolitical implications. Russia and China, the two dominant powers within BRICS, are leveraging the alliance to assert their influence in the face of rising tensions with the United States and its allies. Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of maintaining unity within the BRICS bloc, particularly as international conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine, continue to escalate. Xi stressed the need for BRICS nations to offer mediation and conflict resolution, noting that some member states have already made such proposals.
The inclusion of countries like Iran and Egypt within BRICS strengthens the group’s influence in strategically important regions such as the Middle East and Africa. This could lead to a realignment of global geopolitical balances, as BRICS member states begin to wield greater sway in these areas. Additionally, the expansion of the BRICS alliance may drive shifts in international trade relations, as the group works to develop mechanisms to circumvent Western sanctions and foster alternative global economic networks.
In conclusion, the unprecedented expansion of BRICS marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of international relations. With more than 30 countries now seeking membership, the group is laying the foundation for a multipolar world order that could reshape the future of global governance. The challenge moving forward will be ensuring that BRICS can navigate the divergent interests of its members while maintaining its strategic cohesion amid a rapidly changing global environment.