中文
By Bobby Naderi
The BRICS mechanism – an acronym for Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa – has emerged as a pivotal force in global politics and economics. Founded in 2006, the group was initially seen as a coalition of developing nations that would be primarily instrumental at promoting economic cooperation. Nowadays, with five new members, it has progressed to stand for equity and cooperation in the international order. Despite criticism and theories on its collapse, BRICS has proved to be resilient, adaptable and relevant in today's complex world.
Addressing skepticism
In recent years, BRICS countries have been preyed upon for their growth models and development trajectories. Such skepticism gave way to narratives like the "BRICS collapse theory" and the earlier "BRICS fading theory." The reality simply says otherwise: The BRICS cooperation mechanism does not just survive but is turning stronger through growth opportunities and dynamism.
Over the years, BRICS members has made sizeable strides in various fronts, including technology, energy and finance. More recently, the addition of Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the UAE further expanded the group's geographical and economic scope in levels of production, technical innovation and foreign trade.
Critics, in turn, outline internal issues such as economic disparities and political tensions within BRICS as roots for stagnation. Whether they care to admit it or not, national security anxieties do not eclipse the great strides that have been accomplished by BRICS thus far but indicate that collaboration will be strengthened to keep their growth functional amidst misinformation and division.
Greater representation in global governance
Since its inception, BRICS has advocated abiding by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, practices the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, upholds dialogue rather than confrontation, partnership rather than alliance and win-win rather than zero-sum outcomes, leading common development and prosperity in the Global South. With a combined population of over 3 billion people and a significant share of global GDP, BRICS countries maintain considerable clout in trade, energy and climate policy.
With members spanning different continents, BRICS is fast becoming an excellent foil for West-led exclusive cliques in a multipolar world order. The group remains highly relevant in tackling key issues facing the developing world and has successfully pushed for reforms in the global governance structures to reflect the economic realities of the 21st century.
For instance, BRICS has effectively advocated for enhanced representation of the emerging economies in international financial institutions. Such initiatives have helped reduce the potential exposure of the Global South to geopolitical risks stemming from unilateral, unpredictable actions such as disproportionate tariffs, trade wars and economic sanctions.
And while we're at it, keep in mind that BRICS' relevance is amplified by its ability to facilitate dialogue among its members. Unlike the Western blocs such as the Group of Seven – a club, in the view of many, of rich, developed economies – BRICS is heterogeneous, embracing a broad variety of political systems and economic models that enable members to trade with and economically develop one another. This diversity has enabled the group to address a wide range of issues like global supply chain security and energy policy, climate change and sustainable development.
A city view of Kazan, Russia, September 24, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
A matter of necessity
Via a parallel logic, BRICS acts as a crucial mechanism for South-South cooperation, whereby developing nations can advance their shared interests and goals. These countries usually maintain underrepresentation in international bodies yet through BRICS come to a louder voice as regards systemic issues that affect their growth and development. The group has provided an avenue whereby states can demand a more inclusive agenda, from infrastructural development to equitable trade policies.
The 16th BRICS Summit being held in Kazan, Russia, has put a spotlight on such sustainable development. As one of the core roles of the group, it has allowed members to concertedly take initiatives on the climate crisis with continued economic growth. For example, the transition to green energy became a core area of collaboration during discussions as a way of cutting reliance on fossil fuels and promoting innovation with benefits accruing to the entire group.
In the same spirit, while providing essential support for the economic development of BRICS members, the New Development Bank (NDB) also contributes to improving the global economic governance system. For example, from urban rail projects in India to green wind energy projects in Brazil, the NDB, through its efficient and pragmatic cooperation model, enriches the practice of South-South cooperation and sets an example of multilateral collaboration. Moreover, the Contingent Reserve Arrangement offers assistance to countries dealing with financial emergencies.
If this is not genuine global participation, we don't know what is. BRICS has managed to provide a coherent platform for the developing nations to pursue their long-term goals and interests without external pressures. This cumulative strength has enabled the group to successfully challenge the status quo and demand a more equitable global order. For many countries, engaging with BRICS is more than just a strategic option; rather, it becomes a necessity.
Bobby Naderi is a London-based journalist, guest contributor in print, radio and television, and documentary filmmaker.
