BRICS and the Shift to a Multipolar World Order

Exploring how BRICS nations are reshaping the global economy and challenging traditional power structures.

Author

Philip Saparov
November 22, 2024

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Greetings, inquisitive mind of global dynamics!

Today, we delve into the BRICS coalition—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—and look at how these emerging economies are aiming to redefine the global landscape.

From economic growth to geopolitical strategies, BRICS nations may just play pivotal roles in shaping our world's future. Let's dive right in.

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The term "BRIC" was first introduced in 2001 by economist Jim O’Neill to refer to the growing economic significance of Brazil, Russia, India, and China. With South Africa joining in 2010, BRICS became a formal group. Together, these nations represent over 40% of the world’s population and roughly 25% of global GDP.

China leads the bloc, contributing the most to its GDP with a powerful manufacturing sector. India’s burgeoning economy, driven by its youthful workforce and expanding tech industry, follows.

Brazil and Russia add tremendous value with their agricultural and energy resources, respectively, while South Africa serves as a strategic bridge to Africa’s markets.

BRICS signifies a shift toward a multipolar world, aiming to challenge the dominance of Western-led systems. The coalition’s steady growth is a clear sign of its potential to drive change in global governance and economic systems.

The dominance of the U.S. dollar in global trade has long been a source of concern for emerging economies. In response, BRICS nations are actively pursuing alternatives to reduce their reliance on the dollar. Discussions around a unified BRICS currency, though still in early stages, signal a significant shift.

China and Russia are leading the way by settling a growing percentage of their bilateral trade in yuan and rubles. India has signed currency swap agreements with several countries, allowing trade in local currencies.

The BRICS nations are also working on an alternative payment system to bypass the SWIFT network, which is often influenced by Western sanctions.

Though a BRICS currency is still far from implementation, these moves reveal the bloc’s intent to reshape global financial systems. If successful, it could reduce currency volatility and provide more autonomy for member nations.

While the U.S. dollar remains dominant, these initiatives mark the beginning of a significant financial transformation.

BRICS is a coalition of contrasts, uniting five nations with vastly different political systems, economic structures, and cultural histories. Yet, despite these differences, BRICS members collaborate on shared goals like economic development, trade enhancement, and reforming global financial institutions.

A prime example of their cooperation is the proposal for a BRICS grain exchange, discussed at the 2024 summit in Kazan. This initiative aims to stabilize food prices among member nations and strengthen food security. Such collaborative projects demonstrate their ability to find common ground on critical issues.

However, maintaining unity isn’t without challenges. Geopolitical tensions, such as India and China’s border disputes, can strain relationships. Additionally, the economic disparities between nations like China, the group’s largest economy, and South Africa, its smallest, require careful negotiation.

The graph below illustrates the Export Diversification Index of BRICS countries in 2023, where lower values indicate more diversified export portfolios, with China having the most diverse exports and South Africa the least among the group.

The New Development Bank (NDB), established in 2015, is a testament to BRICS’ commitment to fostering growth. Unlike traditional institutions like the World Bank or IMF, the NDB prioritizes the unique needs of its member nations and other emerging economies.

The bank has funded numerous transformative projects. In South Africa, it approved $1 billion for water and sanitation initiatives, targeting underserved communities. In India, the NDB financed renewable energy projects to bolster the country’s green energy goals. China has benefited from loans for sustainable urban transit systems, including the Taiyuan Zero-Carbon Airport Project.

By offering an alternative to Western financial systems, NDB empowers member nations to pursue development on their terms. Its success reflects BRICS’ ability to turn shared aspirations into tangible outcomes.

BRICS nations collectively account for a significant portion of global trade, with each member contributing uniquely to the world economy.

China, known as the “factory of the world,” dominates exports in electronics, machinery, and textiles. India is a leader in IT services and pharmaceutical production, supplying affordable medicines worldwide.

Brazil and Russia are vital players in global food and energy markets. Brazil exports soybeans, beef, and coffee, while Russia provides oil, natural gas, and wheat.

South Africa, meanwhile, supplies the world with precious metals like gold and platinum, alongside other essential minerals.

Together, BRICS nations are not just trading partners but economic powerhouses reshaping global supply chains.

Energy security is a critical focus for BRICS nations, and their collective resources give them a significant advantage.

Russia, one of the world’s largest energy producers, supplies natural gas and oil to China and India, meeting their growing demands. Brazil is a global leader in biofuels and hydroelectric power, showing its commitment to renewable energy.

South Africa is making strides in solar and wind energy, with support from the NDB to enhance its renewable energy infrastructure. India has invested heavily in solar power, becoming one of the fastest-growing markets for renewable energy technologies.

By pooling resources and expertise, BRICS nations are not only ensuring their energy independence but also contributing to global energy stability. Their efforts appear to be a step toward a more sustainable and resilient energy future.

The possibility of expanding BRICS membership has sparked global interest. Countries like Argentina, Iran, and Egypt have expressed their desire to join, seeking the economic and political advantages of being part of the coalition.

Adding new members could enhance BRICS’ influence by bringing in additional resources, markets, and perspectives. However, expansion also presents challenges.

Maintaining unity among a more diverse group will require careful negotiation. Differences in economic strength, political alignment, and regional priorities could complicate decision-making. Despite these potential hurdles, expansion reflects BRICS’ growing appeal as a counterbalance to Western-dominated institutions.

Whether or not new members are added, BRICS is set to play an increasingly prominent role in shaping the global future. Stay tuned as we continue to explore the evolving global dynamics and uncover the stories shaping our interconnected world!

Warm regards,

Shane Fulmer