The BRICS group sees itself as a counterpoint to the West
Currently, it plans to significantly expand its membership. Both the USA and Germany have responded to this with noticeable composure.
The US government was reserved regarding the announcement that the BRICS group of nations would be expanded by six additional members. A representative of the State Department stressed that the USA would continually cooperate “in bilateral, regional, and multilateral forums” with its allies and partners to protect global peace and security. He added that it was the firm belief of the USA that every nation should independently decide on its cooperation partners.
At their summit meeting in South Africa, the BRICS nations, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, announced the inclusion of six new members starting in 2024. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa stated that the group had decided to include Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates as “full-fledged members.”
India, also viewed by the USA as a potential partner, will host the G20 summit next month. The White House communicated that significant progress is expected from this meeting in New Delhi, affirming the central role of the G20 in global economic cooperation.
The current five members of the BRICS nations represent approximately 42 percent of the global population and position themselves as a balance to Western alliances. A primary objective of this forthcoming expansion is to amplify their international influence.
Germany’s Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock, also advocated for cooperation with the prospective member states. She countered the opinion, partially held in the German public, that BRICS meetings were problematic. Baerbock pointed out that as Europeans or within frameworks such as the OSCE or G20, they autonomously choose their cooperations.
Regarding her trips to South Africa, Brazil, and China, the Minister mentioned that they would similarly engage with future members. In a press conference, she revealed that they already have communication channels with all the new BRICS nations, except Iran.
“We are committed to working together with various nations worldwide, even those with different perspectives,” emphasized Baerbock, “because we live in a globally interconnected and converging world.”