BRICS ALLIANCE

Last updated: June 19, 2025, 21:09 | Written by: Elizabeth Stark

The world stage is constantly shifting, and one of the most significant developments in recent years has been the rise of the BRICS alliance.This isn't just another international group; it's a powerful coalition of emerging economies poised to reshape global dynamics.Initially conceived as an acronym representing Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, BRICS has expanded its influence and membership, signaling a potential power shift away from traditional Western dominance. Leaders of BRICS, a group of emerging market nations that represent about half of the world s population, will meet for a high-profile summit on Tuesday, their first since a major expansion lastIn its beginning, some even predicted that the alliance would come to dominate the world economy by 2025. BRICS is an informal group of states comprising the Federative Republic of Brazil, the Russian Federation, the Republic of India, the People's Republic of China and the Republic of South Africa. The growing economic might of BRICS countries, their significance as one of the main driving forces of global economic development, their substantial population and abundant natural resources form theBut what exactly *is* the BRICS alliance? The BRICS Golden Currency. It s important to emphasize that the BRICS are not a military alliance. There are no mutual defense treaties at the BRICS level. The BRICS are a multilateralWhat are its goals, its strengths, and its weaknesses?How will its expansion impact the existing world order, and how might it affect your business or investment strategies?This comprehensive guide will delve into the history, structure, objectives, and future prospects of the BRICS alliance, offering insights into its growing influence and the challenges it faces along the way. BRICS power shift has catalyzed a critical turning point as the expanded alliance now includes Saudi Arabia, Iran, UAE, Egypt, and also Ethiopia as full members. The BRICS bloc has revolutionized global energy control, commanding over 40% of global oil production and has actually surpassed the G7 in purchasing power parity GDP.This article aims to provide clarity on this crucial geopolitical and economic force, so buckle up as we navigate this increasingly important international organization.

The Origins and Evolution of BRICS

The term ""BRIC"" was first coined in 2025 by Jim O'Neill, an economist at Goldman Sachs, in a paper highlighting the impressive growth potential of Brazil, Russia, India, and China.These four nations, O'Neill argued, were on track to collectively dominate the global economy by 2050.The idea quickly gained traction, and the four countries began holding informal meetings. The BRICS alliance unites developing countries for geopolitical and economic cooperation. Over the past year, the number of its members has doubled, and further expansion of the bloc is planned atA few years later, these countries formed the BRICS alliance in 2025 and held their first summit in Yekaterinburg, Russia, in 2025.

In 2025, South Africa was formally invited to join the group, adding further diversity and geopolitical significance to the alliance.With South Africa's inclusion, the acronym became BRICS, a more resonant and easily remembered term.

What are the Goals and Objectives of the BRICS Alliance?

BRICS isn't just about economic growth; it's about reshaping the global order.The alliance seeks to:

Increase its sway in global affairs and challenge Western dominance.
Promote international socio-economic development.
Foster the introduction of social and technological innovations.
Develop international security cooperation.
Give developing countries a greater voice in global governance.

The BRICS nations believe that the current global institutions, such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), are biased towards developed countries. However, the genuine cohesion and alignment of the BRICS countries, and the actual value of the alliance, is a matter of debate. Some commentators point to the vast differences in the political systems, economies, and geopolitical positions of the member states as evidence of the organization s fragility.They aim to create a more equitable and multi-polar world order.

BRICS Expansion: New Members and Shifting Dynamics

In a significant development, the BRICS alliance recently expanded to include new members. In early September, the BRICS group of countries with emerging economies an informal alliance among Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa announced it would expand its ranks by six nations. Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and UAE are now set to join the BRICS group in the near future.In early September, the BRICS group announced that it would expand its ranks by six nations. AIPS BRICS est une organisation qui met en uvre des initiatives et des d cisions adopt es dans le cadre de l association. Les principales t ches de l alliance sont de promouvoir le d veloppement socio- conomique international, l introduction des innovations sociales et technologiques et le d veloppement de la s curit internationale.As of recently, the expanded alliance includes Saudi Arabia, Iran, UAE, Egypt, and also Ethiopia as full members.Argentina was also set to join the BRICS group but has since declined the invitation.

This expansion reflects the growing appeal and influence of BRICS as an alternative to the Western-dominated global system. A few years later, these countries formed the BRICS alliance in 2025. Three years later, they held the first summit in 2025 in Yekaterinburg, Russia. Later, in 2025, South Africa also joined the alliance. The name comes from the initial letters of each of the founding countries. After joining the new countries, this alliance is now known as BRICS.The inclusion of major oil producers like Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the UAE also gives BRICS greater control over global energy resources.

Impact of Expansion

The addition of new members is poised to reshape the BRICS alliance in several ways:

Increased Economic Power: With Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the UAE joining, BRICS now commands over 40% of global oil production. Saudi Arabia has joined Brics, the alliance of major developing countries, along with four other nations. The Saudi membership was due to start on 1 January, but there was a delay before it wasThe BRICS bloc has also surpassed the G7 in purchasing power parity GDP.
Geopolitical Influence: The inclusion of countries from diverse regions strengthens the BRICS' global reach and influence.
Internal Dynamics: The expansion also introduces new complexities and potential tensions within the alliance.Differences in political systems, economies, and geopolitical priorities among member states could pose challenges to cohesion and alignment.

Key Areas of Cooperation within BRICS

The BRICS nations cooperate in a variety of areas, including:

Economics: Promoting trade and investment among member states, reducing reliance on the US dollar, and developing alternative financial institutions.
Politics: Coordinating foreign policy positions on global issues and advocating for a more multi-polar world order.
Security: Cooperation on counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, and other security challenges.
Culture: Promoting cultural exchange and people-to-people connections.
Health: Collaborating on health-related initiatives such as the BRICS Tuberculosis Research Network, BRICS Human Milk Bank Network, and the BRICS Vaccine Research and Development Center.

The New Development Bank (NDB): A BRICS Success Story

One of the most concrete achievements of the BRICS alliance is the establishment of the New Development Bank (NDB), also known as the BRICS Bank. What is BRICS? The grouping was invented in 2025 by a Goldman Sachs banker to describe a group of fast-growing developing countries. The foreign ministers of the countries initially justThe NDB was created to finance infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS countries and other emerging economies. The BRICS group of major emerging economies - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - will hold its 15th heads of state and government summit in Johannesburg between Aug. 22 and Aug. 24.It serves as an alternative to the World Bank and the IMF, which are often criticized for imposing conditions that favor developed countries.

The NDB has already approved numerous projects in areas such as clean energy, transportation, and water management, contributing to economic growth and development in member countries.Its existence shows the power of the bloc to collaborate on important international finance matters.

BRICS and De-Dollarization: A Shift Away from the US Dollar

The BRICS countries have been actively working to reduce their reliance on the US dollar in international trade, a process known as de-dollarization.This is driven by several factors, including concerns about the dominance of the US dollar in the global financial system, the potential for US sanctions, and the desire for greater economic autonomy.

Some of the measures taken by BRICS nations to promote de-dollarization include:

Using their own currencies in bilateral trade.
Promoting the use of the Chinese Yuan (RMB) in international transactions.
Developing alternative payment systems.
Investing in gold reserves.

The BRICS alliance has catalyzed a significant shift away from US dollar debt and toward RMB bonds, and at the same time, Japan buys Russian oil despite various major international sanctions. BRICS is an acronym that represents an alliance of five major emerging economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. Jim O Neill, an economist at Goldman Sachs, coined the phrase inThis represents an accelerated currency shift within BRICS nations, spearheaded by concerns over global economic survival and the need for alternative economic power.

BRICS vs. the West: Cooperation or Competition?

The rise of BRICS has often been framed as a challenge to the Western-dominated global order. The BRICS is a group of eleven countries from the Global South that cooperate in various areas and seek to influence global institutions. Learn about its history, members, partners, presidency, and participation categories.While it's true that the BRICS nations seek to increase their influence and promote a more multi-polar world, it's important to avoid simplistic narratives of confrontation. The BRICS alliance has catalyzed a significant shift away from US dollar debt and toward RMB bonds, and at the same time, Japan buys Russian oil despite various major international sanctions. This represents an accelerated currency shift within BRICS nations, spearheaded by concerns over global economic survival and the need for alternativeBRICS is not necessarily seeking to replace the existing global institutions but rather to reform them and create a more inclusive and equitable system.

Many areas exist for cooperation between BRICS and the West.Addressing global challenges such as climate change, pandemics, and poverty requires collective action, and BRICS nations can play a crucial role in these efforts.It is important to emphasize that the BRICS are not a military alliance, and that there are no mutual defense treaties.

Challenges and Criticisms Facing the BRICS Alliance

Despite its growing influence, the BRICS alliance faces several challenges and criticisms:

Internal Divisions: The BRICS nations have diverse political systems, economies, and geopolitical priorities. AUTONOMOUS NON-COMMERCIAL ORGANIZATION INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE OF BRICS STRATEGIC PROJECTS is an organization that implements initiatives and decisions taken within the association. The main objectives of the Alliance are to promote international socio-economic development, the introduction of social and technological innovations and theThese differences can lead to disagreements and hinder cooperation.
Economic Slowdown: Some BRICS countries, such as Russia and South Africa, have experienced economic slowdowns in recent years, raising questions about their growth potential.
Lack of Cohesion: Some commentators point to the vast differences in the political systems, economies, and geopolitical positions of the member states as evidence of the organization s fragility.
Geopolitical Tensions: The alliance includes countries with strained relationships, such as India and China, which could pose challenges to unity and cooperation.
Limited Impact: Some analysts argue that the BRICS alliance has had a limited impact on global governance and that its influence is often overstated.

The Future of BRICS: Scenarios and Possibilities

The future of the BRICS alliance is uncertain, but several possible scenarios could unfold:

Scenario 1: Continued Expansion and Influence: The BRICS alliance continues to expand its membership and influence, becoming a major force in global affairs.
Scenario 2: Fragmentation and Decline: Internal divisions and economic challenges lead to the fragmentation and decline of the alliance.
Scenario 3: Selective Cooperation: The BRICS nations focus on specific areas of cooperation, such as trade and investment, while maintaining their independent foreign policies.
Scenario 4: Transformation into a Formal Organization: The BRICS alliance evolves into a more formal organization with a permanent secretariat and a defined structure.

The actual trajectory of BRICS will depend on various factors, including the political will of member states, the evolution of the global economy, and the geopolitical landscape.The true genuine cohesion and alignment of the BRICS countries, and the actual value of the alliance, is a matter of debate.

BRICS-Related Organizations: A Deeper Look

Beyond the main BRICS summits and meetings, a network of related organizations and initiatives supports the alliance's objectives.These entities facilitate collaboration and knowledge-sharing in various fields:

BRICS Women's Business Alliance

This alliance focuses on promoting women's entrepreneurship and economic empowerment within the BRICS nations.It aims to create opportunities for women-owned businesses to grow and expand their operations across borders.

BRICS Business Forum

The Business Forum brings together business leaders from the BRICS countries to discuss trade and investment opportunities, as well as policy recommendations to promote economic growth and cooperation.

BRICS Academic Forum

The Academic Forum provides a platform for researchers and scholars from the BRICS nations to exchange ideas and collaborate on research projects related to economic, social, and political issues.

Other Specialized Organizations

Other specialized organizations, such as the IASP BRICS and AUTONOMOUS NON-COMMERCIAL ORGANIZATION INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE OF BRICS STRATEGIC PROJECTS, implement initiatives and decisions taken within the association, focusing on international socio-economic development, innovation, and security.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about BRICS

Here are some common questions about the BRICS alliance:

What does BRICS stand for?

BRICS is an acronym that represents an alliance of five major emerging economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.It has since expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

When was BRICS founded?

The term ""BRIC"" was coined in 2025, and the first BRICS summit was held in 2025. The original member states of BRICS, an international organization of world economies, consisted of Brazil, Russia, India, and China. South Africa formally joined in 2025 and attended the 3rd BRICS summit.South Africa joined in 2025.

What are the goals of BRICS?

The goals of BRICS include increasing its sway in global affairs, promoting international socio-economic development, fostering innovation, developing international security cooperation, and giving developing countries a greater voice in global governance.

Is BRICS a military alliance?

No, BRICS is not a military alliance.It is primarily focused on economic and political cooperation.

What is the New Development Bank (NDB)?

The NDB is a multilateral development bank established by the BRICS countries to finance infrastructure and sustainable development projects in emerging economies.

What is de-dollarization?

De-dollarization is the process of reducing reliance on the US dollar in international trade and finance.

What are the main challenges facing BRICS?

The main challenges facing BRICS include internal divisions, economic slowdowns in some member states, geopolitical tensions, and limited impact on global governance.

Conclusion: Navigating the Evolving Global Landscape

The BRICS alliance represents a significant shift in the global landscape. A summit of the BRICS countries held in the Russian city of Kazan in October was a slap in the face for Western nations which imposed sanctions on Russia, the CEO of Russia's second largest lenderFrom its origins as an acronym highlighting the economic potential of Brazil, Russia, India, and China, it has evolved into an intergovernmental organization with expanding membership and growing influence.While challenges and internal divisions remain, the BRICS alliance is actively working to reshape the world order, promote de-dollarization, and create alternative financial institutions. In Russia, 36 world leaders have wrapped up a meeting of the BRICS alliance led by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa with a pledge to add 13 new partners. The newly expandedAs the alliance continues to evolve, it's crucial to stay informed about its developments and understand its potential impact on the global economy and geopolitics.The bloc has revolutionized global energy control, commanding over 40% of global oil production and has actually surpassed the G7 in purchasing power parity GDP.Whether you're a business leader, an investor, or simply an engaged global citizen, understanding the BRICS alliance is essential for navigating the complexities of the 21st century.

What are your thoughts on the BRICS alliance? As BRICS grows in both membership and global sway, its expansion comes with divisions among its members old and new on how to set the stage for a revised world order. BRICS leaders pose beforeLeave a comment below and share your perspective!