By Anita Mathur
In recent years, the BRICS coalition-comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa-has garnered significant attention from the Global South. Countries from various regions, particularly in Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America, are increasingly expressing interest in joining this bloc. Malaysia and Thailand are the latest in Southeast Asia to show an eagerness to align with BRICS, while the list of African and Latin American countries seeking membership continues to grow. The expanding interest underscores BRICS’s role as a pivotal force in global geopolitics and as a champion for the Global South.
BRICS has emerged as a symbol of hope and an alternative path for developing nations disillusioned with the current international system. The coalition has demonstrated tangible development success over the past two decades, positioning itself as a credible and influential entity on the world stage. The rise of BRICS reflects a broader shift in the global order, where the voices of emerging markets and developing countries are gaining prominence, challenging the dominance of traditional powers.
One of the primary drivers behind the growing interest in BRICS is the perceived unfairness and irrationality of the existing international order. Many developing countries have long felt marginalized and underrepresented in global institutions, where the rules are often dictated by a few powerful nations. The Global South’s frustration with this imbalance has been exacerbated by the economic and political policies imposed by these hegemonic powers, which frequently overlook the needs and aspirations of less developed nations.
In contrast, BRICS offers a platform where emerging markets and developing countries can collaborate on more equal footing. The coalition’s emphasis on South-South cooperation resonates deeply with countries that have been sidelined in global decision-making processes. This sense of solidarity and shared purpose has made BRICS increasingly attractive to nations seeking to assert their sovereignty and pursue development on their own terms.
While BRICS’s appeal extends beyond economics, financial and economic cooperation remains the cornerstone of its attractiveness. The original five BRICS members-Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa-together contribute over 50% of global economic growth, a remarkable achievement that underscores the bloc’s economic significance. With the addition of new members, BRICS’s economic potential has only increased, offering greater resource endowment, market capacity, and development opportunities.
The New Development Bank (NDB), established by BRICS, has played a crucial role in enhancing the coalition’s appeal. The NDB mobilizes resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects across member countries, providing tangible benefits that resonate with developing nations. The bank’s focus on financing projects that address critical infrastructure gaps and promote long-term development has given countries confidence in BRICS’s ability to deliver meaningful results.
Moreover, the NDB’s success has demonstrated the viability of alternative financial institutions that are not dominated by Western powers. For many developing countries, the NDB represents a more inclusive and responsive institution, one that is better aligned with their needs and priorities. This contrasts sharply with traditional financial institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, which are often criticized for imposing stringent conditions and promoting policies that may not always align with the developmental goals of borrowing countries.
Beyond economics, BRICS’s commitment to peaceful conflict resolution and multilateralism has also contributed to its growing appeal. In a world where unilateralism and power politics often dominate international relations, BRICS’s emphasis on dialogue and cooperation offers a refreshing alternative. The coalition’s stance on global and regional security, coupled with its efforts to promote cultural exchanges and mutual understanding among peoples, has resonated with countries that seek a more balanced and equitable global order.
BRICS’s advocacy for a multipolar world, where power is distributed more evenly among nations, stands in stark contrast to the hegemonic tendencies of certain developed countries. This vision of a multipolar world aligns closely with the aspirations of the Global South, which has long sought to reform international institutions to better reflect the shifting balance of power. For many developing nations, BRICS represents a beacon of hope for a more just and inclusive global system.
The growing alignment of developing countries with BRICS can be understood through the dual forces of “push” and “pull.” On one hand, the economic success and development achievements of BRICS countries serve as a powerful “pulling force,” attracting other emerging markets and developing nations to the coalition. The prospect of economic growth, infrastructure development, and enhanced cooperation within the BRICS framework is undeniably appealing.
On the other hand, the obduracy of certain developed nations, which continue to dominate the international system and resist meaningful reforms, acts as a “push force” driving the Global South toward BRICS. The perceived intransigence of these powers, coupled with their imposition of unilateral sanctions and pursuit of power politics, has left many developing countries disillusioned with the status quo. In this context, BRICS offers a more inclusive and responsive alternative, one that promises to better represent the interests and aspirations of the Global South.
As BRICS continues to attract interest from developing countries, the coalition faces the challenge of managing its expanding membership and deepening its institutional mechanisms. The success of “greater BRICS cooperation” will depend on the group’s ability to maintain its cohesion, enhance cooperation efficiency, and navigate the complex relationships with other emerging markets and developing nations.
Furthermore, BRICS must also manage its interactions with developed nations, many of which view the coalition’s rise with suspicion or concern. While BRICS’s commitment to peaceful dialogue and multilateralism offers a pathway for constructive engagement, the group must remain vigilant in safeguarding its interests and those of the Global South.
BRICS’s appeal to developing nations is rooted in its economic success, commitment to multilateralism, and advocacy for a more just and inclusive global order. As the coalition continues to expand and evolve, it is poised to play an increasingly influential role in shaping the future of international relations. For the Global South, BRICS represents not just an alternative, but a pathway to a more equitable and prosperous world.
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