Ini Alasan Prabowo “Pede” Masuk BRICS?

Summary

After over a decade of waiting, Indonesia officially joins the BRICS group, a major development shared by Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi at the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia. Despite concerns about political alignment and potential backlash from Western nations, particularly the U.S., Minister Prabowo Subianto’s decision reflects a careful assessment of global political shifts. The BRICS bloc, often seen as opposed to Western dominance, presents an opportunity for Indonesia to engage in economic and political influence, signaling potential challenges to U.S. dominance. This bold move aligns with the growing belief in a post-American world, where new powers play a more influential role in global governance.

Takeaways

• 😀 Indonesia officially joins BRICS after more than 10 years of waiting, as announced by Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi during the BRICS Plus summit in Kazan, Russia.
• 😀 The decision to join BRICS is not about aligning with a specific bloc, but about Indonesia actively participating in global forums, according to Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi.
• 😀 Indonesia's membership in BRICS raises questions about potential political and economic risks, especially with the West, considering BRICS members are often seen as opposing the U.S.
• 😀 Some observers speculate that Indonesia might face sanctions or pressures from the U.S. due to joining BRICS, but the risks were likely assessed by Indonesian leadership.
• 😀 Prabowo Subianto, Indonesia’s Defense Minister, likely considered these geopolitical risks before making the decision, highlighting his strategic approach to foreign policy.
• 😀 BRICS is seen by some as an economic bloc with strong political undertones, challenging the dominance of the U.S. and the dollar in global markets.
• 😀 Russia's President Putin advocates for de-dollarization and reducing dependency on the U.S. dollar, which aligns with the rhetoric and values of the BRICS bloc.
• 😀 The broader geopolitical shift, including the potential decline of U.S. global dominance, plays a role in the increasing appeal of joining BRICS, as suggested by Fareed Zakaria’s theory of a 'Post-American World.'
• 😀 Historical patterns show that as major powers weaken, like the Roman Empire, new alliances form, and smaller nations like Indonesia may see opportunities for growth within such blocs.
• 😀 According to Realist Theory in international relations, countries are more likely to act if they are certain that dominant powers like the U.S. will not retaliate against them for making bold decisions like joining BRICS.

Q & A

Why did Indonesia decide to join the BRICS bloc?

Indonesia's decision to join BRICS was driven by the desire to actively participate in global economic forums rather than align with any particular bloc. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Retno Marsudi, emphasized this during the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia.

What political concerns were raised regarding Indonesia's membership in BRICS?

There were concerns about potential political repercussions, especially from Western nations like the United States, given that BRICS countries are often seen as opposing Western interests.

What is the main economic feature of BRICS?

BRICS is primarily an economic bloc that focuses on collaboration between emerging economies. While it has political undertones, its main purpose is to foster economic growth among its members.

What did Russia's President Vladimir Putin say about the use of the dollar?

Putin criticized the use of the dollar as a political tool, calling it a misuse. He also urged countries to reduce their dependence on the dollar in global trade.

How does BRICS's opposition to the dollar reflect its broader political aims?

BRICS’s stance against the dollar reflects a desire to challenge the global dominance of the U.S. dollar, which many see as an instrument of U.S. political influence. The bloc aims to promote economic systems that are less reliant on the dollar.

Why do some analysts view BRICS as not just an economic bloc but also a political entity?

Some analysts believe BRICS harbors political motivations because its actions, such as opposing the U.S. dollar, suggest a broader geopolitical agenda that challenges Western dominance.

What does Fareed Zakaria's theory of a 'Post-American World' suggest about global power dynamics?

Zakaria's theory suggests that America's global dominance is waning due to the financial and political burdens of managing world affairs. This shift opens space for emerging economies to gain more influence.

How does the collapse of the Roman Empire relate to the decline of U.S. dominance?

The decline of the Roman Empire, as described by historian Edward Gibbon, was not due to military defeat but because of the inability to manage its vast empire. Similarly, the U.S. might be facing challenges in managing global influence, which could weaken its dominance.

Why do countries like Indonesia and India feel more secure joining BRICS despite potential U.S. opposition?

Countries like Indonesia and India believe that the U.S. might not take strong action against them due to their significant trade relationships with the U.S. In international relations, countries often avoid actions that would harm key trade partnerships.

What role does Prabowo Subianto play in Indonesia's decision to join BRICS?

Prabowo Subianto, as a key political figure, is believed to have carefully considered the risks involved in joining BRICS, including potential U.S. sanctions. His leadership suggests that Indonesia's participation was a strategic decision based on careful political calculation.