Do you really know? Why is the BRICS bloc expanding?
Sep 11, 2025
At the recent BRICS summit, six new nations are set to join, altering the global dynamics. The bloc, initially formed by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, now expands its influence with new members contributing valuable natural resources. Exploration of the reasons behind the expansion uncovers insights into the strategic goals aimed at enhancing economic stature and fostering international relations. This major shift raises questions about the future of global power structures.
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Origins And Scale Of BRICS
- BRICS began as BRIC in 2001 and held its first summit in 2009 to assert emerging powers' roles.
- The group now represents huge shares of global population, land and growing economic influence.
Johannesburg Expansion Explained
- At the 2023 Johannesburg summit South Africa announced six new members would join BRICS in January 2024.
- Expansion aims to reshape global order by adding countries with strategic assets rather than just big GDPs.
Resource Power Beyond GDP
- The BRICS countries control a significant proportion of global natural resources like oil, gas and minerals.
- That resource base boosts their geopolitical weight beyond pure GDP numbers.