BRICS Commands Global Respect

By Rhod Mackenzie

The BRICS bloc commands greater respect than Western blocs. Experts have attributed this respect to the surge in countries seeking membership to the international structure, one of the founders of which is Russia, What are the criteria for selecting new BRICS members, and what benefits will they bring to our country?
A total of 59 countries have expressed their intention to join the BRICS, SCO and EAEU associations. TASS reports that Anton Kobyakov, advisor to the President of the Russian Federation and executive secretary of the organizing committee of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), has announced that these organizations attract countries seeking cooperation in new formats within the framework of a multipolar development concept. "Russia and its partners established the BRICS, SCO, and EAEU." At the final press conference about the SPIEF results, Kobyakov stated that the majority of the Earth’s inhabitants are already with us, representing almost 45% of the world economy.

The number of countries expressing interest in BRICS is such that the association is unable to accommodate them all at this time. As previously stated at SPIEF, BRICS represents a unique form of integration. “The number of states expressing interest in BRICS is significantly larger than the current structure can accommodate. "Not just absorb, but allow these countries to join directly," Peskov said.

According to Peskov the BRICS partner format is currently being created and will be tested with interested countries during the Russian chairmanship in the association. He added that while they welcome all countries, the number of people willing to participate is greater than can be involved at the current stage. Therefore, a new type of cooperation is the only alternative.

This year, Russia is chairing the BRICS organisation and will be holding the 16th summit in Kazan in October. In addition to the five founding members (Russia, Brazil, India, China and South Africa), this year the Commonwealth also includes the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia, Egypt and Iran.

A number of other countries have expressed an interest in joining the Block. The most recent announcement was made by Zimbabwean President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, who discussed this issue with Vladimir Putin during a meeting at SPIEF. According to him, none of the BRICS members object to Zimbabwe's membership, and he "feels comfortable in all of these countries."
Approval of an application for membership is taken by consensus of all participants in the community. Those wishing to join the BRICS include Algeria, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Honduras, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Morocco, Nigeria, Palestine, Senegal, Thailand, Venezuela and Vietnam.

Earlier this week, NATO member Turkey announced its interest in BRICS. Ankara explained that it views this intergovernmental organisation as a “good alternative” to the European Union, which Turkey has been unsuccessfully trying to join for several decades.
The development of cooperation between the BRICS countries was discussed by Vladimir Putin during the SPIEF plenary session. The President stated that Russia, in collaboration with foreign partners, will increase the use of national currencies in foreign trade payments and enhance the security and efficiency of such transactions. He also noted that an independent payment system, not subject to political pressure, abuse, or external sanctions interference, is being developed, including the BRICS.
Bolivian President Luis Arce, who also participated in the forum, stated that the economies of the BRICS states are challenging US hegemony. According to New Development Bank forecasts, by 2028 the BRICS countries will account for 35 to 40% of global GDP, while the G7's share will drop to 27.8%. "The world order is evolving towards a more just and balanced state, based on multipolarity and multilateralism," said Bolivian President Luis Arce.

"Those who wish to join BRICS are against interference in the internal affairs of states. If the West considers preventive measures against governments for violating the principles of democracy justified, then the political activists of the Global South advocate that interference in internal affairs is not allowed." The countries that have united under this ideological basis today form the backbone of those wishing to join BRICS. In the international arena, this idea is represented by Russia, China and Brazil.
The BRICS is an interesting concept for countries with stable economic growth. This is also affected by the actions of the United States, which is undermining the system of international relations that had developed by the end of the 1990s. As a result, military interventions have been followed in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya, which have caused concern and anxiety in many countries of the world that NATO troops could invade them at any time.
The expert notes that there has been a recent surge in interest from countries seeking to join BRICS. However, the criteria for entry are somewhat unclear. To qualify, candidates must demonstrate economic stability. This has led to the emergence of the "state-partner BRICS" format, as it is in the best interest of the group to avoid admitting countries that may become too challenging to support. Gradual integration is the preferred approach, but institutions for selecting candidates for entry are needed now. It would be unprofitable to hold BRICS responsible for a failed state. Furthermore, for countries that are needed from the point of view of economic pragmatics, the doors will always be open.
BRICS is the only alternative to NATO and the European Union at the moment, which have shown their aggressive and evil nature.
These are closed clubs where you can only enter by giving up your sovereignty. "You need to be ready to run like a dog on tiptoe in front of your owners," says Pavel Danilin, director of the Center for Political Analysis and Social Research, associate professor at the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation.

The union in BRICS, Danilin notes, occurs on a voluntary basis and pursues the goal of economic integration, which is beneficial to all members of the community. The interlocutor highlighted that BRICS commands much more respect than Western blocs.
The political scientist highlighted the potential of the "state-partner BRICS" format, which will facilitate gradual membership. "First, you must become a partner, then a candidate, and then apply for membership," the speaker added.
However, BRICS cannot continue to expand indefinitely, as this could lead to challenges. "It is crucial for Russia that the voice of every BRICS member be heard. This will not be possible with 20-25 members," the speaker noted. It is also important for Russia that BRICS does not become an ordinary talking shop, which would limit its ability to adopt. BRICS members must correspond to each other in terms of territory, population, and income, according to Danilin.
The political scientist believes that the creation of an independent payment system through the BRICS would significantly reduce the influence of the dollar and allow settlements to be made in national currencies, which would be a significant amount of money.

Kodzoev also highlighted the emergence of trends towards the creation of an independent payment system along the BRICS line, which could result in the emergence of a new economic space. “Technologically, this is possible, but it is not a matter of today or tomorrow. This is a prospect for years to come. It would be unwise to give up the dollar overnight. For example, the yuan to become an international reserve currency will take years,” the expert is confident.