The BRICS organization, led by countries from the Global South, is expanding rapidly. More nations are joining its mission to establish a multipolar world characterized by alternative economic institutions that are more democratic and representative, reducing the dominance of Western powers.
BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia
In October 2024, BRICS held a significant summit in Kazan, Russia, where 13 new “partner nations” were accepted into the fold. At this historic gathering, China’s President Xi Jinping emphasized BRICS as a “vanguard for advancing global governance reform” and the restructuring of the international financial architecture.
Bolivia’s leftist President Luis Arce highlighted the importance of BRICS, stating that it provides a “shield” for formerly colonized nations, empowering them to resist “Western unipolarity and the tyranny of the dollar.” Originally formed as BRIC in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, the group expanded to include South Africa in 2010, becoming BRICS.
Expansion of Membership
The 2023 BRICS summit in Johannesburg welcomed several new members. As of October 2024, the organization includes:
Original Members (5):
- Brazil
- Russia
- India
- China
- South Africa
New Members (Invited August 2023; Officially Admitted January 2024):
- Egypt
- Ethiopia
- Iran
- United Arab Emirates
Partner Countries (Accepted October 2024):
- Algeria
- Belarus
- Bolivia
- Cuba
- Indonesia
- Kazakhstan
- Malaysia
- Nigeria
- Thailand
- Türkiye
- Uganda
- Uzbekistan
- Vietnam
The growth of BRICS has transformed it into a significant geopolitical and economic force. The nine member nations account for over one-third of the world’s GDP (measured by purchasing power parity), more than 40% of the global population, and approximately 30% of oil production.
The G7 vs. BRICS
In comparison, the G7 nations represent less than 10% of the world population and under 30% of global GDP (PPP). While the influence of G7 nations is diminishing, BRICS is on the rise. More than 30 countries participated in the Kazan summit from October 22 to 24, marking the first meeting with the four new members.
High-profile leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, attended the summit alongside the leaders of the new member countries.
Argentina and Saudi Arabia: Diverging Paths
While six countries were invited to join BRICS at the Johannesburg summit, Argentina and Saudi Arabia did not follow through with membership. Argentina’s previous government, led by President Alberto Fernández, had accepted the invitation. However, following the election of far-right President Javier Milei in December 2023, Argentina canceled its plans to join BRICS, aligning instead with the United States and Israel.
Saudi Arabia’s stance remains ambiguous; while it has not officially joined BRICS, it has not rejected the invitation either. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MbS) did not attend the Kazan summit, sending the Foreign Minister instead.
Challenges and Opportunities
Western critics have seized upon Argentina’s withdrawal and Saudi Arabia’s indecision to portray BRICS as fragmented. To mitigate internal conflicts, BRICS introduced a new “partner status” at the Kazan summit. Countries aspiring to full membership must first be accepted as partners, similar to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s process.
Key Developments at the Kazan Summit
One of the summit’s highlights was a plan to transform the international monetary and financial system, guided by a report from Russia’s central bank and finance ministry. A significant breakthrough occurred before the summit began when China and India resolved a four-year border dispute, culminating in a historic bilateral meeting between Presidents Xi and Modi.
Russia has played a mediating role between China and India, fostering cooperation within BRICS. Meanwhile, the United States has attempted to exploit tensions between India and China to isolate Beijing.
The Venezuela Controversy
Brazil’s participation in the summit stirred controversy when President Lula da Silva, who did not attend due to an injury, vetoed Venezuela’s application for partner status. This decision drew heavy criticism from the Latin American left, who accused Lula of undermining BRICS and aligning with Brazil’s former far-right leader.
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro condemned Brazil’s action as “an act of aggression” against Venezuela, despite support from other BRICS members. Putin voiced disagreement with Brazil’s decision, emphasizing the need to support Venezuela amidst ongoing U.S.-led coup attempts against Maduro’s government.
The Kazan Declaration
On October 23, BRICS members signed the Kazan Declaration, which calls for a more representative and equitable international order and emphasizes the central role of the United Nations. The declaration also highlights the need for comprehensive reform of the United Nations and the Bretton Woods institutions to increase the representation of emerging markets and developing countries (EMDCs).
The declaration condemned unlawful unilateral measures, including sanctions, and criticized the ongoing conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria. It reaffirmed support for Palestine’s UN membership and the establishment of a sovereign state in line with internationally recognized borders.
Leaders’ Statements at the Kazan Summit
During the summit, President Xi urged collaboration to strengthen BRICS as a channel for Global South solidarity and cooperation. He called for peace in Gaza and a comprehensive resolution to the Palestinian issue, stressing the urgency of reforming the international financial system.
Putin echoed these sentiments, advocating for a new economic platform to unlock the potential of growing economies while lamenting the challenges posed by existing power dynamics. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed support for BRICS’ vision of a multipolar financial system, emphasizing the need to reduce dependence on Western payment systems.
Bolivia’s President Luis Arce celebrated Bolivia’s acceptance as a partner nation, asserting that BRICS is pivotal in shaping a new multipolar world. He expressed optimism that BRICS would enable countries in the Global South to achieve justice and self-determination, free from Western interference.
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