The BRICS coalition is gaining increasing attention from countries in the Global South, driven by the West's failure to fulfill its promises of reforming the current international system, according to Robert Manning, an analyst at the Center for Strategic and International Studies at the Stimson Center in Washington. In an article published in Foreign Policy, Manning argued that many in the Global South are frustrated by the US and Western influence, citing perceived double standards, especially regarding US roles in Gaza versus Ukraine.
Manning noted that despite repeated calls to reform the Bretton Woods institutions, the G7 nations continue to make promises rather than substantive changes, resulting in growing disillusionment across the international community. “It’s no surprise, then, that the aspirations of much of the Global South are shifting towards BRICS+ as an alternative to the US- and G7-dominated order,” he stated. The analyst pointed out that some countries see BRICS as a means to improve their financial standing, others seek to deepen ties with key members like China, while some view it as a strategic safeguard.
This trend, Manning argued, highlights the urgent need for political and economic reforms within established groups, including the G20. He warned that if the West misses the chance to “shape the future” by failing to build a forward-thinking foreign policy and restructure the global economic system to bridge the gap between the Global North and South, “the aspirations of BRICS will become a reality.”
The 16th BRICS Summit, which served as a major event during Russia's presidency of the organization, was held in Kazan from October 22-24. On the second day, the participants adopted the Kazan Declaration, which outlined BRICS' stance on key global issues, including the development of the coalition and approaches to regional conflicts, notably in Ukraine and the Middle East.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Maxim Bogodvid/Photohost-agency brics-russia2024.ru
Based on TASS materials