BRICS Plans to Expand Membership Spark Concerns of Global Divide
The BRICS club, consisting of emerging economies Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has announced plans to expand its membership, further fueling concerns about a growing global divide. The group revealed that Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia have been invited to join, with their membership set to commence in January.
The decision to expand was made at a summit in South Africa, attracting significant global interest. The BRICS group, initially known as BRIC, was formed in 2009 to challenge Western-dominated forums such as the Group of Seven and the World Bank. The addition of South Africa in 2010 transformed the acronym to BRICS. The formalized group aims to promote unity and diversity in the face of increasing polarization.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping hailed the membership expansion as historic, emphasizing the determination of BRICS countries to foster cooperation among developing nations. The move comes at a time when the international order is grappling with heightened polarization, stemming from issues like Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and strained relations between the United States and China.
Amid pressure for smaller countries to align with wealthier nations or seek middle ground, the BRICS expansion provides an alternative option for those feeling constrained by the current system. Cobus van Staden, a researcher with the China Global South Project, noted that the entire global south is searching for alternatives.
The Biden administration has downplayed the potential rivalry posed by BRICS expansion, affirming positive relations with Brazil, India, and South Africa, while remaining vigilant against Russian aggression and managing the relationship with China.
Although the BRICS members projected unity during the summit, there were diverging views on expansion. China pushed for rapid enlargement to challenge American power, while other leaders cautioned against a return to a divisive global order reminiscent of the Cold War. Brazil favored expanded access to capital, and South Africa advocated for greater African representation within BRICS.
The invited countries, such as Saudi Arabia and Egypt, have experience navigating delicate diplomatic relationships with the West. Saudi Arabia, the club’s largest trading partner in the Middle East, has cultivated ties with China and demonstrated independence from American interests. Egypt, situated between Africa and the Middle East, has developed strong relationships with Russia and China while maintaining ties to the United States.
For Argentina, BRICS membership could provide a financial lifeline amid economic crisis and diminishing foreign reserves. The country’s President, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, has advocated for the creation of an alternative trading unit to decrease emerging nations’ dependence on the US dollar. Iran, seeking to strengthen ties with non-Western powers, applied for BRICS membership to showcase the country’s resilience despite Western isolation efforts. The United Arab Emirates, already a member of the BRICS’ New Development Bank, has been formally invited to join.
The expansion of BRICS signifies a significant development in challenging Western-led forums and advancing cooperation among developing nations. As geopolitical dynamics continue to evolve, the impact of this expansion and its implications for global power dynamics remain subjects of ongoing scrutiny.
Note: This article includes contributions from David Pierson in Hong Kong, Edward Wong in Washington, and Isabella Kwai in London.