CSS 2024: BRICS EXPANSION & PAKISTAN'S BID TO JOIN BRICS I Ahmed Ali Naqvi I Episode 103

Summary

The video discusses the expansion of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa), focusing on the strategic importance of including more nations like Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Ethiopia. The expansion represents a shift toward multipolarity, as countries seek to reduce reliance on Western institutions and the US dollar. Pakistan's interest in joining BRICS is highlighted, with hopes of gaining economic independence and moving away from traditional geopolitical alliances. The video also addresses the challenges Pakistan faces, especially due to India’s prominent role within BRICS, and concludes with the broader implications of BRICS' expansion for global politics.

Takeaways

• 😀 BRICS is a significant organization comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Its recent expansion has attracted interest from more than 40 countries, including Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Ethiopia.
• 😀 The expansion of BRICS reflects the desire of emerging powers to counterbalance US-led economic policies and sanctions, and to establish a multipolar world order.
• 😀 BRICS countries aim to strengthen economic collaboration, reduce dependence on the US dollar, and develop a common currency to challenge the Western-dominated financial system.
• 😀 The membership expansion of BRICS is seen as a response to the growing tensions between the US and China, with the Global South seeking more influence and autonomy in the face of these geopolitical rivalries.
• 😀 Countries interested in joining BRICS see it as an opportunity to bandwagon with powerful economies like China, Russia, and India, which could help protect them from Western economic sanctions.
• 😀 Pakistan's application for BRICS membership highlights its strategic shift away from traditional alliances and toward geoeconomic cooperation, especially with China, to avoid the influence of Western financial institutions like the IMF.
• 😀 BRICS' expansion is also seen as a step toward creating a more cohesive global South alliance, countering the dominance of the Global North, which is already entrenched in multilateral alliances such as the G7.
• 😀 The rise of middle powers and their increasing influence in global geopolitics is a central theme of BRICS' expansion, which aims to assert these nations' roles in the global economy and political arena.
• 😀 BRICS is viewed by some scholars as the ‘new non-aligned movement,’ representing a collective stance of countries not aligning with either Western or Eastern blocs in the new Cold War-like environment between the US and China.
• 😀 While BRICS' expansion is expected to bring significant benefits in terms of economic partnerships and global influence, it also presents challenges, particularly due to political dynamics, such as India's reluctance to embrace Pakistan's membership.
• 😀 The expansion of BRICS and its potential for creating a new world order could reshape global trade, diplomacy, and international relations, making it a crucial geopolitical development of the 21st century.

Q & A

What is the BRICS expansion, and why is it significant?

The BRICS expansion refers to the process of adding more countries to the BRICS group, originally composed of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. This expansion is significant because it represents a shift towards greater global influence for the Global South, increased economic collaboration, and a counterbalance to the US and Western-dominated international systems.

Which countries have shown interest in joining BRICS?

Countries such as Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Ethiopia, and several others have shown interest in joining BRICS. More than 40 countries have expressed a desire to join, though not all have officially applied yet.

Why do countries want to join BRICS?

Countries want to join BRICS to increase economic collaboration, reduce dependence on the US dollar, avoid potential sanctions, and enhance their global influence. For many, BRICS represents a non-aligned movement alternative to the West, allowing for greater autonomy in international relations.

What is the role of BRICS in countering US influence?

BRICS aims to counter US influence by providing a platform for countries to collaborate economically and politically, without falling under US-led sanctions or economic policies. It is seen as a way to resist US containment efforts, particularly in relation to China and Russia.

How does BRICS contribute to the rise of middle powers?

BRICS contributes to the rise of middle powers by offering them a platform to assert their roles in global politics. These countries, previously overshadowed by global powers like the US, can now collaborate on equal footing within the BRICS framework, thereby strengthening their global influence.

What is the significance of BRICS for Pakistan?

For Pakistan, BRICS offers an opportunity to reduce its reliance on Western financial institutions like the IMF and World Bank, while strengthening economic and political ties with China and other emerging powers. It aligns with Pakistan's goal of moving from geostrategic alliances to geoeconomic ones.

What are the potential challenges Pakistan might face in joining BRICS?

Pakistan could face challenges within BRICS due to its complex relationship with India, which is a key member. Additionally, Pakistan's internal political and economic instability may hinder its ability to fully benefit from BRICS membership. India's close ties with some BRICS applicants, such as Egypt, could also create diplomatic tensions.

How does BRICS aim to reduce the dominance of the US dollar?

BRICS countries are exploring the development of a common currency to reduce their reliance on the US dollar, which has been used by the West to enforce sanctions. This shift, known as 'dollarization,' would allow BRICS members to bypass Western-dominated financial systems.

What are the potential geopolitical implications of BRICS expansion?

BRICS expansion is likely to shift the global balance of power towards a more multipolar world, where the influence of the Global South is more prominent. This could lead to the creation of a parallel economic and political system to challenge the existing Western-dominated order.

What does the future hold for BRICS and its expansion?

The future of BRICS expansion looks promising, with more countries showing interest in joining. This expansion could further solidify BRICS as a key player in the global political and economic landscape. The group's ability to develop a common currency and reduce reliance on Western financial institutions will be critical in shaping its future influence.