Leaders of the BRICS nations, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, are gathering in South Africa for a three-day summit.
This loose association of major emerging economies seeks to amplify its influence on the global stage and serve as a counterweight to Western dominance in global affairs.
Representing a quarter of the world’s economy and 40% of the global population, the BRICS nations are united by a common desire for a global order that reflects their interests and rising power.
The 15th BRICS summit’s theme, “BRICS and Africa,” highlights the growing diplomatic competition between major powers for economic and political influence in Africa. Amidst this backdrop, the BRICS nations aim to strengthen cooperation and collaboration to promote a more balanced global governance structure.
South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa, who is hosting the summit, reiterated his country’s policy of non-alignment and the focus on development issues. China’s President Xi Jinping expressed the desire to enhance the role of the BRICS cooperation mechanism in global governance.
While the BRICS nations share common goals, the issue of expanding their membership has become divisive, especially among China and India, the group’s most powerful members. China is eager to grow the bloc’s influence, while India remains cautious about its intentions.
The summit has generated interest from numerous countries seeking to join, including Iran, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, and Argentina.
Observers note that the BRICS operate on consensus, which can sometimes hinder decision-making. Analysts also anticipate that the rivalry between China and India may pose a significant challenge for the BRICS in the long run.
Despite challenges, the BRICS nations continue to explore ways to strengthen their collective influence and shape the global order to better reflect their interests and values.
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