The BRICS bloc, consisting of China, Brazil, Russia, India, and South Africa, announced a historic decision on August 24 to expand its membership by admitting Saudi Arabia, Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt, Argentina, and the United Arab Emirates. This strategic move is intended to accelerate the bloc's efforts to reshape the current global order, which it views as outdated and inequitable.
The addition of these six new members is expected to significantly enhance the economic strength of BRICS. The current members of BRICS already include major economies like China, Brazil, and India. The expansion aligns with the bloc's goal of becoming a champion for the Global South and increasing its influence on the international stage.
However, the expansion could also give rise to internal tensions within the group. While some members, particularly China and Russia, aim to establish BRICS as a counterweight to Western influence, others maintain close ties with the United States and Europe. This potential divide highlights the complex dynamics at play within the bloc.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, a prominent advocate for the expansion, emphasized the historical significance of this move.
"This membership expansion is historic. It shows the determination of BRICS countries for unity and cooperation with the broader developing countries," President Xi Jinping stated.
The BRICS bloc, originally conceptualized by Goldman Sachs chief economist Jim O'Neill in 2001, was officially formed in 2009 as an informal club of four nations, later adding South Africa in its only previous expansion. The six new countries are set to become full members on January 1, 2024, as per South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who made the announcement during a leaders' summit in Johannesburg.
The inclusion of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, both major players in the oil industry, highlights their intentions to distance themselves from the traditional Western sphere of influence and establish their global prominence independently.
Ramaphosa described the expansion as a new chapter in building a more equitable and prosperous world, indicating that further phases of expansion might follow.
“BRICS has embarked on a new chapter in its effort to build a world that is fair, a world that is just, a world that is also inclusive and prosperous. We have consensus on the first phase of this expansion process and other phases will follow," Ramaphosa shared.
The decision to invite specific countries to join BRICS reflects the interests of existing members in strengthening their alliances. For instance, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva advocated for Argentina's inclusion, while Egypt's close commercial ties with Russia and India played a role in its invitation. Russia and Iran, facing common challenges such as U.S.-led sanctions and diplomatic isolation, have deepened their economic cooperation, further solidifying their ties.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres attended the expansion announcement, underscoring the growing influence of BRICS. He echoed the bloc's longstanding call for reforming institutions like the U.N. Security Council, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank to better reflect the current global power balance.
While the expansion showcases the bloc's increasing clout, internal divisions stemming from economic differences and differing foreign policy goals among BRICS countries persist. The debate over enlargement dominated discussions at the South African summit, with leaders expressing varying degrees of support for the expansion and differing opinions on the pace of growth.
China and Russia have been vocal proponents of expanding BRICS to challenge Western dominance, while Brazil and India have simultaneously fostered closer ties with Western nations. Former Brazilian President Lula rejected the notion of BRICS rivaling the United States and the G7 economies, highlighting the complexity of the bloc's objectives.
As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, the admission of these new members into BRICS marks a pivotal moment in the bloc's pursuit of reshaping the global order. However, navigating the diverse interests of the member countries while pursuing a common agenda will remain a formidable challenge.
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