CHALLENGES OF BRICS – BRICS 3
The BRICS group, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and now also the UAE, Iran, Egypt, and Ethiopia, faces a myriad of challenges that span across economic disparities, political tensions, and the complex dynamics of global geopolitics. Economically, disparities in development levels and economic capacities among the member states may pose significant hurdles to achieving cohesive action and mutual goals. Political tensions, both internal and external, further complicate the landscape. These include border disputes, geopolitical rivalries, and differing global alignments, which can undermine the unity and effectiveness of the group.
Conflicts within BRICS, like the border disagreements between India and China, and Russia’s actions in places like Ukraine and Syria, make the situation even more complicated. Also, Iran joining BRICS brings up issues because of its nuclear program, which many Western countries worry about. The new members, UAE, Iran, Egypt, and Ethiopia, also bring their own regional problems, which could affect how well the BRICS countries can work together. Despite these issues, BRICS is trying to find ways to deal with these challenges by talking and working together to reach their common goals.
General Challenges:
- Internal Disagreements and Diverse Interests: The main challenge facing BRICS is the diverse political, economic, and social systems of its members, which can lead to disagreements and challenges in forming a unified stance on various issues. The skepticism shown by Argentina’s newly-elected President Javier Milei, leading to Argentina’s rejection of BRICS membership, exemplifies the challenges of aligning diverse national interests within the bloc.
- Expansion and Cohesion: The process of expanding the BRICS bloc introduces challenges related to cohesion and the integration of new members with varying economic sizes, political systems, and regional influence. The varied responses from invited countries, with only the UAE, Iran, Egypt, and Ethiopia joining in January 2024, and Saudi Arabia’s hesitation, highlight the complexities involved in expanding the alliance while maintaining a coherent and unified agenda.
- Balancing Global Ambitions with Domestic Needs: As BRICS nations strive to enhance their global stature, they must also address pressing domestic issues, such as economic inequalities, political unrest, and environmental challenges. Balancing these internal demands with their ambitions on the global stage remains a significant challenge.
- External Pressures and Geopolitical Dynamics: Navigating the geopolitical landscape, especially in relation to Western economic and political structures, poses a challenge. The bloc’s efforts to establish a counterbalance to Western dominance are met with skepticism and opposition, complicating its goals of global governance reform and economic cooperation.
Specific Conflicts:
India-China Border Disputes
One of the most prominent conflicts within BRICS is the ongoing border dispute between India and China. The tension escalated into a military standoff in the Galwan Valley in June 2020, resulting in casualties on both sides. This clash not only heightened military tensions but also led to a significant deterioration in diplomatic relations, with India imposing restrictions on Chinese businesses and apps. Such disputes challenge the BRICS narrative of unity and cooperation, especially when two of its largest members are engaged in prolonged territorial disagreements.
Russia’s Geopolitical Tensions
Russia faces its own set of challenges, most notably its involvement in Ukraine and Syria, which has led to international sanctions and heightened tensions with Western countries. These actions have implications for BRICS, as they place Russia in direct opposition to Western geopolitical interests, potentially complicating the group’s efforts to present a united front in global forums.
Iran’s Nuclear Program
Iran’s inclusion into BRICS introduces the contentious issue of its nuclear program, which has been a flashpoint in international relations. Western nations, particularly the United States, have expressed strong opposition to Iran’s nuclear ambitions, leading to sanctions and a strained geopolitical climate. Iran’s membership in BRICS could further complicate the group’s diplomatic relations with the West and within international governance institutions where the nuclear issue is a significant concern.
Regional Conflicts and the New Members
The new members also bring their regional conflicts and challenges into the BRICS framework. For instance, Egypt’s geopolitical interests in the Middle East, particularly concerning its stance on Israel and its involvement in regional conflicts, could introduce new dimensions to BRICS’ collective diplomacy. Similarly, Ethiopia’s ongoing conflict over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam with downstream countries like Egypt and Sudan presents another layer of complexity, potentially affecting intra-BRICS relations given Egypt’s membership.
The dominance of China and Russia in BRICS
The dominance of China and Russia within the BRICS coalition could potentially lead to discomfort for India. China and Russia, as two of the most powerful members of BRICS, hold significant influence over the group’s agenda and direction, which could raise concerns for India regarding its own strategic interests and autonomy within the coalition.
India’s apprehensions stem from several factors. Firstly, the long-standing border disputes and strategic rivalry with China pose a constant challenge to India’s security interests. The presence of such tensions could make India wary of any BRICS initiatives that may disproportionately favor China’s geopolitical agenda, especially in matters relating to Asia’s security architecture and territorial integrity. Moreover, China’s growing economic influence in South Asia, including investments in neighboring countries through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), further compounds India’s concerns about encirclement and its implications for regional dominance.
BRICS’s Approaches to the Conflicts
Despite these conflicts, BRICS continues to strive towards fostering economic cooperation and political dialogue among its members. The group’s ability to navigate these internal conflicts, through mechanisms such as diplomatic engagement and multilateral negotiations, is crucial for maintaining its cohesion and advancing its collective objectives. The BRICS nations’ commitment to addressing global challenges collaboratively, alongside respecting each member’s sovereignty and resolving disputes through dialogue, remains a fundamental principle aimed at overcoming internal conflicts and strengthening the alliance.
