The 16th BRICS Summit will take place from October 22 to 24 in Kazan, Russia. This marks the first summit since the expansion of the BRICS group, and there is keen interest in how these nations will contribute to promoting a more equitable and orderly multipolar world, as well as inclusive economic globalization in the context of a turbulent international landscape. In a recent exclusive interview with the Global Times, Kirill Babaev, Director of the Institute of China and Modern Asia at the Russian Academy of Sciences, shared his insights on the evolution of BRICS.
Babaev stated that BRICS has transformed from its original conception into a cross-continental network of cooperation, representing a new vision for global governance. He emphasized that the principles underpinning BRICS cooperation—mutual respect, inclusivity, fairness, and a non-dominance by any single nation—are in line with the aspirations of most countries and their populations. “BRICS embodies the hope for a fair global economic system free from sanctions and protectionism, which are at risk in today’s world,” Babaev remarked. “I sincerely hope that BRICS cooperation can become the cornerstone of a new type of international relations, not only in economic matters but also in global security.”
As Babaev pointed out, the principles and achievements of BRICS cooperation are proving to be highly attractive. During last year’s 15th BRICS leaders’ summit held in Johannesburg, South Africa, the BRICS family expanded its membership.
Data shows that this “Big BRICS” now accounts for 30% of the world’s land area, 45% of the global population, and nearly 20% of world trade, while oil production and reserves encompass about 40% of the global energy landscape. The total GDP, measured by purchasing power parity, has surpassed that of the G7 countries. Analysts view this expansion as a demonstration of the BRICS nations’ determination to unite and collaborate with the broader developing world, aligning with the international community’s expectations and the interests of emerging markets and developing countries.
Babaev explained that the significance of the BRICS mechanism lies in its capacity to unite countries with differing interests, offering each member a platform for negotiation and fostering cooperation. “If we want to achieve common goals, we need to reach consensus, and that is exactly what BRICS facilitates. Even when consensus is challenging on certain issues, BRICS has flexible mechanisms to explore alternative commonalities.” He believes that face-to-face dialogue among leaders in the same room tends to yield more effective problem-solving than distance communication.
“An increasing number of people are realizing that in the current West-dominated global economic framework, BRICS presents a viable alternative,” Babaev said. He noted that BRICS has proven to be an effective platform for collaborative projects in various sectors including technology, trade, transportation, and education, offering opportunities rather than restrictions. He highlighted that, unlike some alliances led by Western nations, BRICS lacks a single leader and emphasizes mutual benefit. “BRICS was formed not to confront, but to avoid confrontation.”
Following its first expansion, a growing number of countries are eager to engage with BRICS. Recently, nations from the Global South, including Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Azerbaijan, have publicly expressed their interest in joining the BRICS cooperation mechanism.
This year marks the beginning of “Big BRICS cooperation,” and it is anticipated that BRICS nations will deepen their practical collaboration in Kazan. Babaev believes that trade and finance are not only critical issues for BRICS but also central to the global economy, and the member states need to continue promoting free trade. He added that as the rotating chair of BRICS this year, Russia may invite discussions and cooperation on topics such as payment systems, globalization and free trade, and international logistics. Additionally, collaborations in the technological sector, including artificial intelligence, could be on the agenda.
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