The BRICS organisation is a significant political and economic alliance globally. It was formed in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, initially known as BRIC. In 2010, South Africa joined the group during its second summit, and the organisation has since been referred to as BRICS.
Both the Eastern camp and other countries are uniting for political and economic security, indicating a clear division in the world today and in the future.
Originally, five countries came together, but currently, about 45 countries have gained or are seeking membership.
It is a special situation that there are several countries that were in the former Soviet Union among the countries hoping to become members. Among those countries are the governments of Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan and Belarus.
Reasons for starting BRICS
After the breakup of the Russian Federation, the world fell under the influence of the Western bloc, both economically and politically. NATO began to exert political control globally, assisted by the United States, the leader of the Western camp.
Furthermore, the European Union, formed by various European countries, exerted significant pressure on the global economy. This political and economic influence substantially affected regions in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
Other countries had little choice but to rely on this influence due to the political situation in the world at that time. However, the world is constantly changing. In the past, only two countries opposed the West: Russia and China. Now, the landscape has shifted, and several nations can stand against the influence of the Western bloc. India is at the forefront of this resistance.
A world dependent on the Western camp
It is a widely acknowledged fact that the Western bloc, including the United States, exerts significant control over global affairs, both economically and politically. This influence has grown increasingly strong in recent times, putting immense pressure on smaller countries. The Middle East, in particular, has descended into profound hardship and instability, and it is unlikely that the region will find peace anytime soon. Similar situations can also be observed in Asia and Africa, where the effects of this dominance are evident.
However, few prefer to linger on pressure. When opportunities present themselves, they seek a way out. The BRICS serves as this escape strategy, offering a path for the world to move away from the Western camp.
This is a common situation that can occur for both individuals and nations. The same holds true for the Western bloc. In the political and economic realms, no one can maintain power indefinitely. With the establishment of the BRICS, NATO and the European Union are currently facing this reality.
BRICS will be powerful in future
BRICS will become very powerful in the future. Approximately 45 countries have already expressed interest in joining. More countries will likely be added in the future. This situation is inevitable.
BRICS in Asia
The BRICS holds significant influence in the Asian region. Russia, India, and China, which are the three most economically and militarily powerful countries in Asia, are first-tier members of this group.
Most countries in Asia do not align closely with the United States and the Western bloc. The few that do show loyalty to the Western camp include South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand. Given this context, many Asian countries have sought and obtained BRICS membership.
The Middle East
The Middle East region is largely opposed to the American camp, with the exception of Israel, which provides full support to the U.S. This dynamic is expected to become even more complicated due to the ongoing conflicts in the region. Currently, several Arab countries are considering joining BRICS, and many of these nations hold anti-American sentiments. This situation is likely to become increasingly complex in the future.
African region
The African region has a long-standing partnership with Russia and China, which have invested in numerous countries across the continent. South Africa, the strongest nation in the region, is one of the five founding members of the BRICS . Currently, 18 countries in Africa are preparing to join BRICS as members.
South America
The South American region has expressed a strong interest in joining the BRICS organization, with seven countries currently prepared to become members.
This development could significantly impact the United States and its allies in the Western camp. If all the countries neighbouring the United States were to join BRICS, it could lead to serious challenges for the U.S.
The economic and political balance of the future world
The impact of this situation on the world is still uncertain. Currently, the BRICS organisation accounts for over 30 per cent of the global economy. Once BRICS reaches a stable level, its economic influence could rise to 70 per cent.
This growth will likely lead to a significant increase in political power as well. Notably, four major world powers with substantial military capabilities are already part of the BRICS organization, alongside North Korea.
In this situation, NATO’s power will diminish, and the European Union’s influence on the global stage will wane. Europe and America may find themselves increasingly isolated from the world.
Currently, the BRICS is engaged in discussions about creating a common currency similar to the Euro. If this comes to fruition, the European Union could establish a currency for the BRICS countries.
Should this occur, the demand for and value of the US dollar could plummet. This is a very real possibility.
Friendship between India and China
China and India currently do not have a very successful relationship, largely due to ongoing border conflicts. However, their membership in BRICS may foster a more amicable relationship between the two countries. Both China and India are aggressively advancing in their development and providing a vast supply of labour. Additionally, they are key players in the tech industry. As a result, Europe may find it challenging to contend with the growing strength of this combination.
Commonwealth countries
It is difficult to predict what will happen to the Commonwealth as BRICS gains power. Currently, it seems likely that many countries in the Commonwealth will join BRICS. Ultimately, only Canada, Australia, and New Zealand may remain in the Commonwealth. As the Commonwealth, which has historically represented a shadow of Western imperial influence, moves away from this legacy, it may escape the pressures of its imperialist past.
Conclusion
What are the causes of the current global situation? Clearly, one significant factor is the economic and political pressure imposed by the Western bloc on the international community. Despite the advancements in democracy since the era of slavery, the reality remains that many people around the world live under the political and economic influence of the West. This can be likened to a form of modern slavery.
After the Second World War, America, as the leading power in the Western camp, was able to exert pressure on people around the world for many decades. Furthermore, there has been an ongoing effort to weaken Russia economically and politically from the collapse of the Soviet Union to the present. Additionally, attempting to capitalise on the current military conflict between Ukraine and Russia adds another layer to this situation.
Allowing the military situation in the Middle East to escalate has led to global destabilization. The emergence of the BRICS organization can be seen as a response to this historical destabilization; its formation is not a mere coincidence. The world is an ongoing phenomenon, evolving through history and into the present and future. As a result of these events, it is inevitable that the world economy and political landscape will undergo significant changes influenced by the BRICS organization.
