BRICS is now a formidable group, representing a challenge to U.S. geopolitical and economic goals. It can no longer be ignored.
Multipolarity
The Russia-Africa summit highlights the increasing importance of Africa to Russian foreign policy and President Vladimir Putin’s image.
China is expanding its influence in Latin America not just through trade and investment, but also espionage, military, and the drug trade.
Beijing is avoiding direct comment on the Wagner Mutiny, but in subtle ways, it may be suggesting to Moscow it needs to get its house in order.
Countries like Brazil and India pursue “active non-alignment” amid renewed great power rivalry, exerting influence in ways unthinkable before.
Asian economies have considerably reduced the impact of Western sanctions by acting as new customers for its commodity sales.
South Africa must carefully navigate Western anxieties about BRICS and demonstrate that there’s a common future in a multipolar world.
Russia’s shift toward Asia may be gradual, focusing on China, India, and ASEAN countries, but the direction has been set.
If the U.S. doubles down on dollar weaponization, then AMF 2.0 or lookalikes will become countervailing steps that push for de-dollarization.
The Russia-Ukraine war has shown that non-alignment continues to be a popular choice for even democratic countries.