Brics nations criticise Nato’s increased defence-spending target and Parisian swimmers return to the Seine

BRICS is expanding beyond the original members, adding countries like Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran, but still struggles to define its true purpose beyond opposition to US and Western dominance.

Brazil, as host and a constitutional democracy, seeks to leverage BRICS for stronger multilateral diplomacy and to counteract historical US intervention in Latin America, but faces internal contradictions, especially regarding Russia's role amidst the Ukraine conflict.

Lula's cautious stance on Ukraine reflects broader Latin American skepticism about unequal international responses to conflicts, emphasizing a demand for fair and consistent criticism of violations of international law.

BRICS aims to push for reforms in global institutions like the UN Security Council, IMF, and World Bank to better represent member interests, though Russia's involvement complicates credibility.

Members share grievances with Western institutions and seek economic and political clout by uniting, despite their diverse backgrounds and interests.

• 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 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.