BRICS expands, signaling shifting geopolitics

The BRICS summit in Johannesburg announced the addition of six new countries to the alliance: Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The expansion reflects the emerging powers' growing assertiveness on the global stage and China's increasing efforts to court these powers. While the BRICS block was initially seen as a platform for developing countries, its relevance had waned over the years. However, with China's rise and the desire of middle powers to play a greater role in global affairs, the expansion is a response to changing geopolitical trends.