The BRICS summit highlights the growing divide in global geopolitics, with countries seeking alternatives to Western-led frameworks.
Putin's efforts to solidify BRICS as an anti-Western bloc may be met with skepticism from members who have their own economic and diplomatic ties to the West.
The absence of key leaders and the internal divisions within BRICS could hinder the group's effectiveness in countering Western influence.
The BRICS may struggle to present a cohesive strategy in the face of internal disagreements and external pressures from Western nations.
Future summits could see increased participation from countries disillusioned with Western policies, further expanding the bloc's influence.
The establishment of alternative financial systems may gain traction, but the success of these initiatives will depend on the cooperation of member states.
The 16th BRICS summit commenced on October 22 in Kazan, Russia, with President Vladimir Putin aiming to establish the forum as a counter to Western hegemony. The event has gathered over two dozen international leaders, including UN Secretary General António Guterres, who will meet Putin for the first time since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began in April 2022. This meeting is particularly significant as it comes amid ongoing tensions regarding the conflict in Ukraine, with Guterres previously condemning the invasion as a violation of international law.
Putin's agenda at the summit includes promoting a financial system that allows BRICS members to circumvent Western sanctions. He emphasized the growing economic power of BRICS, noting that its collective GDP now surpasses that of the G7 nations. The summit is also marked by the participation of new members, including Egypt, the UAE, Ethiopia, and Iran, indicating a shift in global alliances.
However, the summit faces challenges, including internal disagreements among BRICS members and the absence of key leaders, such as Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who could not attend due to a domestic accident. The participation of nations like Armenia and Kazakhstan, which have distanced themselves from Russian influence, adds complexity to the discussions.
China's perspective on the BRICS has been cautious, with analysts questioning the group's ability to present a united front. The South China Morning Post highlighted the difficulties of achieving consensus among the diverse interests of member countries, which often have competing alliances and economic strategies. Furthermore, Putin's earlier ambitions for a unified BRICS currency have shifted toward establishing an alternative payment system to SWIFT, reflecting the ongoing economic isolation Russia faces.
- The summit not only serves as a platform for economic discussions but also as a venue for geopolitical maneuvering, with Russia seeking to strengthen ties with nations that share its skepticism toward Western policies. Putin's outreach to leaders from countries like Turkey and Palestine underscores his strategy of building a coalition that can challenge Western dominance on the global stage.
