Roadmap for Answer Writing
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Introduction
- Begin with a brief introduction to BRICS, its original members (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa), and the recent expansion.
- State the importance of the expansion: The inclusion of new members such as Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Ethiopia at the 15th BRICS Summit marks a new phase in the group’s evolution.
- Set the context by mentioning how this expansion reflects BRICS’ growing global influence.
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Discuss the New Phase in BRICS’ Evolution
- Evolution of BRICS: BRICS started as an informal coalition of emerging economies. With the expansion, it is transforming into a more diversified group with varied geopolitical and economic interests.
- Strategic goals post-expansion: Highlight that BRICS aims to push for a stronger voice for the Global South and reduce dependency on global powers like the U.S.
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Strengths of BRICS in the Current Scenario
- Demographic and Economic Weight: BRICS now represents 46% of the global population, making it a powerful demographic bloc. Economically, its share of world GDP (at PPP) increased from 31.6% to 35.6%, giving it a significant economic footprint.
- Global Governance Influence: The expansion of BRICS+ boosts its global standing. For example, three BRICS+ countries hold the G20 presidency for 2023-2025 (India in 2023, Brazil in 2024, and South Africa in 2025), enhancing the group’s global influence.
- Voice of the Global South: The expansion supports BRICS+ as a champion of the Global South, promoting multilateralism and cooperation among developing nations, as stated in the Johannesburg Declaration.
- Reducing Dependence on the US Dollar: BRICS+ is working towards de-dollarization by promoting the use of local currencies in trade, which will reduce dependence on the U.S. dollar.
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Weaknesses of BRICS+ in the Current Scenario
- Heterogeneity of Members: The group is ideologically and economically diverse. While some members have current account surpluses (e.g., Russia, China), others like India and South Africa face deficits. Furthermore, there is a mix of democracies (India, Brazil, South Africa) and authoritarian regimes (China, Russia, Saudi Arabia).
- Limited Trade Integration: Despite BRICS accounting for 25% of global exports, only 15% of these exports are to other BRICS members. The bloc’s internal trade represents only 3.7% of global trade, which is a limitation for deeper economic integration.
- Fragile Geopolitical Unity: Geopolitical tensions, especially between India and China, weaken the cohesiveness of the bloc. Disputes like the India-China border issue pose challenges to maintaining unity.
- Dominance of China: China’s economic dominance (52% of BRICS GDP) means its interests may overshadow the collective interests of the group, prioritizing its own geopolitical goals.
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Conclusion
- Summarize the key points: The expansion of BRICS represents a new phase in its evolution, offering both opportunities and challenges.
- Emphasize the complexities: While BRICS has become a more powerful and influential bloc, it faces internal divisions and economic disparities that may affect its long-term success.
- End with a forward-looking statement: The bloc’s future success will depend on its ability to balance these diverse interests and act cohesively on global issues.
Relevant Facts
- Demographic and Economic Weight: BRICS+ now represents 46% of the global population, and its share of world GDP has increased from 31.6% to 35.6%.
- Global Governance Influence: BRICS+ countries hold the G20 presidency for 2023-2025 (India in 2023, Brazil in 2024, and South Africa in 2025).
- Voice of the Global South: The Johannesburg Declaration 2023 emphasizes BRICS+ as a voice for the Global South, aiming to promote multilateralism and inclusive global governance.
- Reducing Dependence on the US Dollar: The push for de-dollarization and the use of local currencies in trade and financial transactions.
- Heterogeneity of Members: The diversity in economic and political systems, such as the contrast between democracies (India, Brazil, South Africa) and authoritarian states (China, Russia).
- Limited Trade Integration: BRICS accounts for 25% of global exports, but only 15% of those exports are to other BRICS members. Intra-BRICS trade accounts for only 3.7% of global trade.
- Geopolitical Tensions: Ongoing territorial disputes, particularly between India and China, weaken BRICS’ geopolitical unity.
- Dominance of China: China’s economic power (52% of BRICS GDP) places it in a dominant position, potentially sidelining other members.
Model Answer
Introduction
The expansion of BRICS with the inclusion of new members such as Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Ethiopia at the 15th BRICS Summit marks a significant phase in the group’s evolution. This expansion is an attempt to enhance BRICS’ global influence, but it also brings challenges related to differing national interests and governance systems.
Strengths of BRICS in the Present Scenario
1. Demographic and Economic Weight
BRICS now accounts for almost 46% of the global population, offering immense demographic leverage. Economically, its share of world GDP at purchasing power parity (PPP) has increased from 31.6% to over 35.6%, strengthening its global economic clout.
2. Strengthened Global Governance
With BRICS countries holding three consecutive G20 presidencies (India in 2023, Brazil in 2024, and South Africa in 2025), the bloc can push its agenda more effectively in global governance.
3. Voice of the Global South
The expansion is seen as a step towards promoting solidarity and strategic partnerships in the Global South, advancing multilateralism and inclusive global governance.
4. Reducing Dependence on the US Dollar
BRICS aims to reduce its reliance on the US dollar by encouraging the use of local currencies in international trade and financial transactions.
Weaknesses of BRICS in the Present Scenario
1. Heterogeneous Group
The group is ideologically and economically diverse. While some members, like Russia and China, have current account surpluses, others like India and South Africa face deficits. Additionally, the political regimes within BRICS vary, with some members being democracies and others authoritarian.
2. Limited Trade Integration
Despite the bloc’s large share in global exports (25%), intra-BRICS trade is limited, accounting for only 3.7% of global trade in 2021.
3. Fragile Geopolitical Unity
Geopolitical tensions, such as the ongoing India-China territorial disputes, create divisions within the bloc, affecting its ability to act cohesively on global issues.
4. Dominance of China
China’s overwhelming economic influence, contributing to over 50% of BRICS’s GDP, risks overshadowing the goals of other members and may lead to prioritizing China’s geopolitical interests.
Conclusion
BRICS represents both a powerful collective force and a complex coalition. While it enhances global influence, the group must navigate internal divisions and differing interests to make a meaningful impact on global governance.