The Monocle Daily Brics nations criticise Nato’s increased defence-spending target and Parisian swimmers return to the Seine
Jul 7, 2025
Evdoxia Lemperi, UK correspondent for ERT, and Oscar Guardiola Rivera, a professor at Birkbeck College, dive into the BRICS nations' criticism of NATO's increased defense spending. They discuss the geopolitical tensions and Brazil's unique stance in this shifting landscape. The conversation then shifts to Greece's evolving military role and its strategic importance. Finally, they celebrate the return of swimming to the Seine, highlighting environmental improvements and the cultural renaissance in urban spaces.
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BRICS' Core Unity
- BRICS is primarily united by shared opposition to the US and Western alliances like NATO and the EU.
- Their alliance aims to become stronger collectively despite diverse interests and geography.
Brazil's BRICS Strategy
- Brazil values multilateral diplomacy and seeks alliances beyond the US given history of US interventions in Latin America.
- Lula supports BRICS as a way for Brazil to assert more independence in global politics.
BRICS and Russia's Complicated Role
- BRICS members seek reforms in global institutions but Russia's role complicates credibility.
- The alliance avoids openly addressing Russia's actions in Ukraine, causing skepticism.