On October 26, a recent interview highlighted the growing significance of the BRICS cooperation mechanism, which offers many countries in the Global South an alternative pathway for development. Xu Feibiao, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Modern International Relations and director of the BRICS and G20 Center, commented on the rapid advancement of BRICS cooperation, noting that numerous nations are eager to join in order to benefit from this development momentum. Similarly, Alexey Malinin, founder of the International Interaction and Cooperation Center and a member of the Think Tank “Digoria Expert Club,” emphasized that the BRICS cooperation mechanism’s increasing allure is drawing the attention of many Global South countries seeking “another choice.”
The upcoming 16th BRICS leaders’ summit, scheduled for October 22-24, 2024, in Kazan, Russia, marks the first meeting following the expansion of BRICS membership. As this coalition gains prominence on the global stage, the questions arise: What unique role does BRICS play in contemporary geopolitics? Why is it so favored among nations? How does China, as a founding member and significant promoter of BRICS cooperation, guide and support its steady development? Furthermore, what role does this mechanism play in enhancing collaboration among countries in the Global South?
In a recent dialog, Xu Feibiao and Alexey Malinin provided in-depth insights into these questions.
Malinin remarked, “The BRICS cooperation mechanism plays a crucial role amid current geopolitical and geoeconomic trends.” Over the years, collaboration among BRICS nations has deepened across three main areas: political security, economic finance, and cultural exchanges, yielding substantial results. Data from the World Bank indicates that from 2010 to 2022, the GDP share of BRICS countries in the global economy rose from 18% to approximately 26%. By the end of 2023, the New Development Bank established by BRICS had approved 105 projects from member countries, totaling investments of $35 billion. Notably, in the wake of the recent conflict escalation between Israel and Palestine, South Africa promptly convened a special video summit of BRICS leaders to address the situation, demonstrating the coalition’s proactive stance on pressing international issues.
Malinin further highlighted the pragmatic benefits of BRICS cooperation, suggesting that it presents a new dimension for many Global South nations. He stated, “BRICS is not a substitute for NATO or the EU. It offers an alternative perspective on viewing the world and forging partnerships.” According to him, BRICS advocates for cooperation based on equality and takes into account the interests of all involved nations while pursuing its goals.
As 2024 marks the year of significant expansion for BRICS, opportunities abound for the countries involved. Xu Feibiao pointed out, “The most obvious opportunity is the benefit of scale. With BRICS expanding its membership base, its voice and influence will naturally grow stronger.” He added that the inclusion of new members would bring fresh resources, motivation, markets, and ideas to BRICS cooperation. “With more members and increased resources, we can accomplish much more,” he asserted.
Additionally, he noted that the BRICS mechanism encompasses key regions of developing countries worldwide, thereby enhancing its ability to address regional governance issues.
When discussing China’s role in BRICS, Xu emphasized, “China is a promoter of BRICS cooperation, a leader of its principles, and a supporter of its development.” As a founding member, China has consistently contributed to the deepening of BRICS collaboration over the years. “China has always been a significant driver behind the transformation and upgrade of the BRICS mechanism,” he stated.
Xu also outlined China’s comprehensive narrative for global governance, anchored in the concept of a community with a shared future for humanity and supported by three major initiatives. He emphasized that many of these ideas have already been internalized into BRICS outcomes. “China actively proposes topics and collaborative programs within the framework of BRICS, including partnerships in artificial intelligence and the new industrial revolution,” he added.
The dialogue also revealed how BRICS is perceived as a platform for many developing nations. Xu pointed out, “The BRICS cooperation platform is considered by many developing countries as ‘their platform.’ In the global landscape, there aren’t many substantial and influential platforms available.” Malinin echoed this sentiment by highlighting the importance of equality within the BRICS framework, stating that its foundational principle is rooted in mutual cooperation and respect. In this context, when unanimous decision-making is absent, countries are more inclined to accept BRICS’ rules and aspirations.
Both experts underscored the wealth of development opportunities held within the BRICS mechanism for Global South countries. Xu noted, “BRICS nations have some of the world’s most promising markets, with significant production in energy, food, and minerals, alongside rapid technological advancements. This region contributes over half of the global economic growth rate, making many nations eager to join BRICS and tap into its developmental fast lane.”
Malinin affirmed, “The BRICS cooperation mechanism does not impose any ideology on other nations. Countries universally aspire to foster a multipolar world, and this goal is rooted in development rather than ideology. The cooperation facilitated within this mechanism is mutually beneficial.”
Furthermore, Xu pointed out that in existing international frameworks, the voices of developing countries are often overlooked, leading to insufficient representation. Many of these nations yearn for platforms to express their views, and through BRICS cooperation, they can enhance their global visibility.
He added, “The voices of the Global South are diverse and somewhat fragmented at the moment. The BRICS cooperation mechanism is gradually becoming a crucial platform for these countries to unify, cooperate, and protect their mutual interests, ultimately helping them present a unified voice on the global stage, which will advance global governance and international order toward greater fairness, justice, and reasonableness.”
