BRICS expansion and shifting geopolitics

The BRICS alliance, consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has recently expanded to include six new countries. This expansion highlights the growing assertiveness of emerging powers on the global stage, particularly China's increasing influence in courting these powers. The BRICS block was initially seen as a group of developing countries driving global economic growth, but in recent years, its relevance came into question. However, factors such as China's rise and a demand for greater middle power influence have led to the expansion push. The addition of Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates reflects China's influence in the group and the desire for countries to recalibrate their relationships between the West and China.