Hindu Editorial Analysis : 26-August-2023

The BRICS economic coalition, consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has made a significant decision during its recent summit in Johannesburg, South Africa. This alliance, which has evolved from an economic concept to a geopolitical force, has extended invitations to six new nations: Iran, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Egypt, and Ethiopia. These new members will officially join BRICS in January 2024. This expansion carries substantial implications for the global political landscape, the existing BRICS members, and the newcomers.

The Johannesburg Summit: Welcoming New Members

The recent BRICS summit in Johannesburg served as the platform to announce the inclusion of these six nations into the alliance. This decision reflects BRICS’ ambition to broaden its reach and impact on the international stage.

Rationale behind Expansion
  1. Economic Strength and Weaknesses: The BRICS countries, although representing a substantial portion of the world’s population and a significant portion of the global economy, are facing economic challenges. Russia’s global influence is diminishing, and China is contending with Western economic pressures. These economic vulnerabilities necessitated expansion.
  2. China’s Anti-Western Orientation: China, a key driving force behind the expansion, seeks to give BRICS a distinct anti-Western orientation. This aligns with China’s growing rivalry with Western powers.
Significance of Expansion
  1. Strengthening the Bloc: With the inclusion of these six nations, BRICS will now represent nearly half of the world’s population and incorporate three major oil-producing countries: Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Iran.
  2. Voice of the Global South: This expansion reinforces BRICS’ claim to be a ‘voice of the Global South.’ However, it also raises concerns about China’s increasing dominance within the alliance.
  3. Diverse Membership: The inclusion of Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Ethiopia, despite their regional and political differences, is a noteworthy development, emphasizing BRICS’ inclusive approach.
  4. Argentina’s Economic Hopes: Argentina, currently grappling with a severe economic crisis, hopes for financial support and stability from its BRICS membership.
Significance for India

India, as a BRICS member, finds the expansion significant for its own geopolitical influence and partnerships. However, it also raises concerns about potential pro-China dominance within the alliance.

Challenges Ahead
  1. Lack of Common Understanding: The expansion has exposed a lack of consensus among the existing BRICS members, particularly India and Brazil, regarding the criteria and principles for expanding the group.
  2. Sluggish Pace of NDB: The New Development Bank (NDB), a key initiative within BRICS, has faced lending challenges, exacerbated by sanctions against Russia, one of its founding members.
  3. Lack of Purpose and Coherence: A larger BRICS grouping will need to redefine its purpose in global politics and address existing issues of coherence, which have persisted since its inception.
Why In News

Expanding its global influence, the BRICS economic coalition of emerging markets has chosen to extend membership invitations to six nations, bolstering its collaborative efforts to shape the future of the world economy. This strategic move reflects their commitment to fostering cooperation and inclusivity on a broader scale.

MCQs about BRICS Expansion

  1. Which of the following nations is NOT one of the new members invited to join BRICS?
    A. Saudi Arabia
    B. Argentina
    C. Australia
    D. Ethiopia
    Correct Answer: C. Australia is not one of the new members invited to join BRICS. The essay mentions that the new members include Saudi Arabia, Argentina, and Ethiopia.
  2. What is the main concern raised regarding the BRICS expansion in the essay?
    A. Lack of purpose and coherence within the alliance.
    B. Strong alignment with Western powers.
    C. Rapid military expansion.
    D. Inadequate focus on economic growth.
    Correct Answer: A. The challenge of maintaining purpose and coherence within the expanded BRICS alliance, which is highlighted as a significant concern.
  3. How does the inclusion of Iran and Saudi Arabia in BRICS impact the alliance’s composition?
    A. It strengthens the alliance’s pro-Western orientation.
    B. It reinforces the alliance’s exclusive nature.
    C. It highlights the alliance’s inclusivity despite regional rivalries.
    D. It weakens the alliance’s geopolitical influence.
    Correct Answer: C. The inclusion of Iran and Saudi Arabia, despite their regional rivalries, emphasizes the alliance’s inclusivity, making this a noteworthy development.

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