BRICS Fiasco: A Major Disappointment for Developing Nations

The Rise and Challenges of BRICS

When the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, and China) group incorporated South Africa in 2010, it expanded its acronym to BRICS, symbolizing a new era for the Global South. Many believed this move would create a powerful bloc capable of challenging Western dominance in global affairs.

The core members of BRICS have long been significant regional powers with substantial influence on international geopolitics. In a world order dominated by the Global North since the establishment of the United Nations (UN) in 1945, the emergence of BRICS offered hope for a counterforce against Western hegemony.

The UN was created after World War II, aiming to prevent future global conflicts. Its founding charter emphasized the need to protect future generations from the horrors of war, as seen in the two World Wars. However, at that time, many African and Global South nations were still under the control of European colonial powers, which had exploited their resources and imposed oppressive systems.

Colonialism was a form of racism and discrimination, leaving colonies economically devastated. This history must be remembered and told repeatedly, so that the descendants of these colonized nations can seek reparations and justice.

As former colonies, we should invoke the African proverb: “Until the lions have their own historians, the history of the hunt will always glorify the hunter.” The UN system, which was established without considering the interests of these colonies, has remained largely unchanged despite the independence of many nations.

While calls for reform have increased, the voices of those benefiting from the UN's structural flaws remain muted. This context explains why the formation of BRICS generated high expectations for a more equitable global order.

BRICS Expansion and Global Influence

BRICS has grown significantly since its inception in 2006. At the 2023 summit held in South Africa, the bloc's membership more than doubled, with the addition of Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Indonesia. Over 40 countries had initially applied for membership, but only a select few were chosen. Argentina later withdrew due to a change in government.

In addition to its member states, BRICS maintains an additional status for 10 “partner countries.” This expansion has made BRICS a prominent voice in global affairs, representing the aspirations of the Global South.

The themes of BRICS summits have consistently focused on cooperation, multilateralism, economic development, and security. For instance, the 2023 summit in South Africa centered on partnership between BRICS and Africa, while the 2024 summit in Russia emphasized strengthening multilateralism and global development. The 2025 summit in Brazil aimed to enhance Global South cooperation, and the upcoming 2024 summit in India will focus on resilience, innovation, and sustainability.

Despite these promising themes, BRICS faces challenges in translating words into action. The bloc often fails to speak with one voice on critical geopolitical issues, even within its own member states.

Geopolitical Discrepancies and Internal Divisions

BRICS lacks the unity necessary to effectively counter Western dominance. For example, there has been no collective stance from the bloc in support of Russia during the Ukraine conflict or in response to the Israeli military actions in Gaza. South Africa took Israel to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over the ongoing genocide, yet BRICS did not issue a unified statement of support.

This lack of solidarity contrasts sharply with the Western approach, where groups like the G7 and NATO demonstrate strong unity. These alliances act collectively on matters of mutual interest, such as supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression.

The G7, which includes the US, UK, and France—permanent members of the UN Security Council with veto powers—exemplifies this unity. They coordinate their efforts in diplomacy, military support, and financial aid. In contrast, BRICS remains fragmented, relying on bilateral relations rather than cohesive multilateral cooperation.

The Need for Change

BRICS should reconsider its approach and move beyond mere rhetoric. The bloc has the potential to be a powerful force for the Global South, but it must act decisively to fulfill its promises. The upcoming summit in India presents an opportunity for meaningful dialogue and action.

As the founder and editor-in-chief of the Global South Media Network, I believe that BRICS must address its internal divisions and work towards genuine cooperation. Only then can it truly serve as a counterbalance to Western dominance.

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