The BRICS meeting has not started yet but is already sparking tension within the bloc. Its members do not agree on how expansion should take place.
The BRICS bloc will look for possible expansion routes at their upcoming South African meeting on August 22-24th. However, not all members agree on how such expansion should look like.
BRICS is an economic bloc formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Together, they form 40% of the world’s population and 26% of the world’s GDP, though both figures are rapidly expanding.
BRICS’ self-declared mission is to enhance the regional power of their members and economic cooperation between "non-western" countries. They mirror the US-led G7 group, comprising the 7 most powerful Western economies.
The BRICS’ most prominent member is, of course, China. As the world’s second-largest economy, it’s also the biggest advocate for BRICS expansion as it would help contrast the United States.
Further, many countries within and without BRICS are questioning the US dollar’s role as the global reserve currency. Many, especially American geopolitical enemies, wish to move away from the dollar. The BRICS, which include American allies like India and Brazil, are considering creating a common currency of their own.
This enticing prospect prompted many countries to formally apply to join the bloc. The list includes rich and powerful countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, as well as Western arch-enemies like Iran.
Internal tensions
Not every BRICS member, however, agrees with China’s vision of expansion. India, which continues to trade with Russia despite the Ukraine crisis, is closely aligned with the United States against China. Moreover, Brazil has many economic, political, and cultural ties to the United States, despite an increased trading partnership with China.
The Indian president will participate in the BRICS meeting online without physically attending, sources say. As South Africa follows the International Criminal Court (ICC), they must arrest Russian President Vladimir Putin if he shows up too. The ICC issued an arrest mandate for Putin in March.
Therefore, of the five BRICS leaders, one will be totally absent and another will only attend online.
Furthermore, Reuters sources report that Brazil and India are against BRICS expansion as it would undermine their position in the alliance. Both countries are wary of prominent new members like Saudi Arabia, whose membership will most likely shift the power balance completely.
"Brazil is going to have to give in at some point because we are realistic and it is not in our nature to block things, but it won’t be good for us," said a Brazilian official to Reuters.
Despite their influence, Russia and China are unlikely to convince Brazil and India, especially given their geopolitical differences. However, the inclusion of less "problematic" countries like Indonesia or Argentina could still be achieved. Will it be enough to challenge the United States?
