Can BRICS shake up the world's political and economic architecture?
Aug 25, 2023
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BRICS nations are planning new currency arrangements and inviting new members to shake up the world's political and economic architecture. The guests discuss the historical context of BRICS, their dissatisfaction with the current economic platforms, and the rise of emerging markets. They also explore the concept of de-dollarization, the establishment of the new development bank, and the need for reforming the UN Security Council, IMF, and World Bank.
BRICS aims to challenge the dominance of Western-led institutions and ensure their interests are adequately represented on the global stage.
BRICS sees the potential to challenge the Western-dominated global order, similar to what OPEC achieved in the oil industry.
Deep dives
BRICS Emergence and Desire for Representation
The BRICS nations, comprising emerging markets, are seeking greater representation and a say in global affairs. These countries, which have experienced significant growth in the last three decades, feel underrepresented in international bodies like the US Security Council. By forming a united front, BRICS aims to challenge the dominance of Western-led institutions and ensure their interests are adequately represented on the global stage. However, there are differing opinions within the BRICS group, with some countries favoring cooperation and others advocating for a more confrontational approach towards the West.
BRICS' Critique of Western Institutions
For countries like South Africa, BRICS serves as an opportunity to address the limitations of the current global economic system and Western-dominated institutions like the IMF and World Bank. South Africa, in particular, hopes to harness the potential of BRICS to enhance its influence and improve economic ties. Additionally, BRICS members are exploring alternative currency arrangements to reduce their reliance on the US dollar, which they perceive as granting disproportionate power to the United States. However, challenges remain in terms of achieving consensus and harmonizing the different national interests within the BRICS group.
BRICS as a Catalyst for Change and a Counterbalance to the West
The BRICS nations, composed of countries that have experienced colonialization, view themselves as middle powers deserving of greater economic and political influence. With their control over a significant share of the world's resources and markets, BRICS sees the potential to challenge the Western-dominated global order, similar to what OPEC achieved in the oil industry. The inclusion of new members, such as Iran, may further reinforce the perception that BRICS is an anti-Western bloc. Climate change action is another area where BRICS could exert influence, leveraging their collective power to demand accountability and push for more equitable policies from developed nations.
It is a new era for the BRICS nations. The five members of the bloc have agreed to invite six new ones, and they are planning new currency arrangements aimed at reducing reliance on the U.S dollar. So can BRICS really shake up the world's political and economic architecture?
Join Host Nick Clark
Guests:
Ben Aris - Founder and editor-in-chief, BNE IntelliNews.
Arina Muresan - Senior researcher, Institute for Global Dialogue.
Einar Tangen - China affairs analyst.
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