In a provocative display of unity, Russia and China leveraged the recent BRICS summit to air their grievances against Western powers, championing themselves as protectors of developing economies and advocating for a new international order. The summit, which included leaders from Brazil, India, China, and South Africa, was addressed by Russian President Vladimir Putin via video link. A striking figure against the backdrop of BRICS nations’ flags, Putin vehemently accused the West of instigating global crises, from the war in Ukraine to global inflation and hunger in the world’s most vulnerable regions, by imposing sanctions that hamper Russian grain and fertilizer sales.

The annual summit provides both China and Russia with a platform to voice their complaints against the West and express support for the burgeoning economies of Africa, South America, and Asia. Despite the absence of a formal alliance between Beijing and Moscow, the two nations have been coordinating their anti-Western messaging. This relationship has gained significant importance as Russia’s economy has become increasingly dependent on China, a development that has bolstered Moscow’s war effort in Ukraine. The summit, thus, served as a stage for both nations to articulate their grievances, present a united front, and foster ties with emerging economies, further underscoring the geopolitical implications of this alliance.

Russia and China Leverage BRICS Summit to Challenge Western Hegemony

Setting the Stage for an Alternative International Order

In the recent BRICS summit held in South Africa, Russia and China utilized the platform to voice their grievances against Western powers. Russian President Vladimir Putin, who attended the summit via video conferencing, accused the West of instigating the war in Ukraine and causing global inflation and hunger. He attributed these issues to the sanctions imposed by the West which have affected Russian grain and fertilizer sales.

The Sino-Russian Bond

The annual BRICS summit allows both China and Russia to articulate their complaints against the West while showing support for burgeoning economies in Africa, South America, and Asia. No formal alliance exists between Beijing and Moscow, but their leaders have coordinated their anti-Western rhetoric. Their relationship has grown increasingly significant as Russia’s economy has grown more dependent on China, which has, in turn, supported Moscow’s war effort in Ukraine.

Putin Courts Africa

Putin has been making efforts to gain ground in Africa, particularly as Russia becomes more isolated from Western markets. Last month, a summit held in St. Petersburg saw the heads of state from 17 African countries in attendance, showcasing Putin’s efforts to woo them.

The BRICS Bloc: An Independent Trading Entity

China and Russia also proposed strengthening the BRICS bloc as an independent trading entity and political force. This is part of their strategy to serve as a counterweight to the West. They argue that strengthening the group would give the developing world a stronger, more equal voice, compared to Western powers they accuse of hindering development in vulnerable countries.

Expansion: A Mixed Bag

While some BRICS nations have expressed caution over expanding the group to include nations like Iran and Cuba, fearing alignment against the West, others, like Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, have warmed up to the idea but stress the importance of the group continuing to represent emerging economies.

De-Dollarization and Independence

Both Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping emphasized the need for the BRICS nations to work towards economic independence from the dollar and to foster trade among members and other non-Western countries. Putin proposed the establishment of a permanent commission on transport within the BRICS framework, and Xi Jinping supported the expansion of BRICS to further global governance.

Conclusion: A New World Order?

The BRICS nations, which account for over a quarter of the global economy and 42% of the world’s population, provide a significant counterweight to Western powers. However, with diverse governing systems and ideologies, any expansion could widen divisions within the group. With Russia and China pushing for a re-orientation of the world order, it remains to be seen how this will play out on the global stage.

Personal Takeaway

The BRICS summit provides a fascinating glimpse into the shifting dynamics of global power. The concerted efforts by Russia and China to create an alternative international order highlight the ongoing re-arrangement of the global economic and political landscape. The idea of de-dollarization and the formation of an independent trading bloc is significant, and it will be interesting to see how this evolves in the coming years. It’s clear that the BRICS nations are not just emerging economies, but potentially powerful players in the future of global governance.