BRICS expands to 54.6% of world population by adding Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country
| BRICS added new partner Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country with no. 6 population on Earth. BRICS+ now has 10 members & 9 partners, comprising 54.6% of world population & 42.2% of global GDP (PPP) Ben Norton Jan 20 |
Nigeria’s Gamble: A Dance Between Order and Chaos in the BRICS Arena
| Global South Rising: Nigeria Joins BRICS. A search for equity, amid corruption & power imbalances in the new world order. |
MAGA’s Anti-Indian Sentiment: Part of Trump 2.0’s BRICS+ Tactics?
Good Cop, Bad Cop: MAGA’ites Spewing Venom Against Indian-Americans on X Is Part Of Trump 2.0’s Negotiation Tactics With BRICS+
| The four years of Joe Biden-led Democrat party regime is finally at an end, and so is the American dream of eternal hegemony. Trump may have been the first US President of the 21st century who did not start any new wars. But Joe Biden raised the standards and became the first US President to bring Russians, Chinese, Indians, Arabs, Africans, South Americans and every other nation under one roof. Seeking an alternative world order with BRICS+, a collective of different nationalities and ethnicities genuinely felt the urge to push back against the unipolar Western-centric world order. Credit to Joe Biden where it is due. Even citizens from America’s allied countries in Europe, Australia and Canada are flustered with the US policy of openly funding proxy wars with the help of an unpegged fiat dollar world reserve currency. Read all |
BRICS expands with 9 new partner countries. Now it’s half of world population, 41% of global economy
BRICS adds 9 partner nations in 2025, after admitting 4 new members in 2024. It now makes up half of global population & 41% of world GDP (PPP), with top producers of oil, gas, grains, meat, minerals.
| BRICS, the Global South-led forum for economic cooperation, continues to grow in influence, as its seeks to de-dollarize and transform the international monetary and financial system. After admitting four new members in 2024, BRICS officially welcomes nine new nations as partner countries on January 1, 2025. They are: Belarus Bolivia Cuba Indonesia Kazakhstan Malaysia Thailand Uganda Uzbekistan With its nine members and nine partners, BRICS now makes up roughly half of the global population and more than 41% of world GDP (PPP). The group is an economic powerhouse, including top producers of key commodities like oil, gas, grains, meat, and minerals. Read all Watch the video |
Understanding the „World Majority“: A New Force in Global Politics
| The World Majority is emerging as a powerful, independent bloc in global politics, challenging Western dominance and reshaping international order amid evolving alliances and geopolitical shifts. The Valdai Discussion Club’s 2024 report examines the concept of the „World Majority,“ a diverse group of countries that have chosen to eschew Western sanctions against Russia and instead pursue more independent policies. The report delves into the motivations, interests, and potential consequences of this group’s ascendance, emphasizing its implications for the dynamics between Russia, the West, and China. Continue readingVideo |
Russia’s Defiant Economic Vision: Putin’s Address at the 15th VTB Russia Calling! Investment Forum
| In a bold speech at the 15th VTB Russia Calling! Forum, Putin emphasized economic sovereignty, resilience, and leadership, highlighting past triumphs and outlining a vision for future growth. |
China’s Restrictions on Rare Earth Resources are a Huge Blow to the United States
Think BRICS and Xiaoguang Yin Dec 07, 2024
| China’s rare earth export restrictions escalate the US-China tech war, impacting F35 fighter jet production and exposing global supply chain vulnerabilities amid economic and military power struggles. After Trump won the US presidential election, before he took office in the White House, the trade war and technology war between China and the United States had already officially begun. First, Trump announced that he would impose a 25% tariff on Canada and Mexico, and an additional 10% tariff on Chinese products. Then, the United States announced sanctions on 140 Chinese chip companies, and China subsequently retaliated by restricting the export of rare earth resources to the United States. The technological offensive and defensive battle between China and the United States has entered a new stage. |
Emerging Markets Reshape Global Economy: Sharma’s Analysis
Pranjal Sharma explores how emerging markets in Asia, Africa, and Latin America are transforming the global economy, challenging Western dominance and promoting equity.
“Weaponizing the Dollar”: Trump Declares War on BRICS “De-dollarization”
| By Ahmed Adel Global Research, December 13, 2024 In a Truth Social post on November 30, Trump said: “We require a commitment from these Countries that they will neither create a new BRICS Currency, nor back any other Currency to replace the mighty US Dollar or, they will face 100% Tariffs, and should expect to say goodbye to selling into the wonderful US Economy.” The president-elect’s threat to impose 100% tariffs on the BRICS+ countries that try to replace the dollar as the global reserve currency is excessively bombastic. Not only does it sound sterile, but worse, it would mean the geoeconomic and commercial suicide of the US since today, the BRICS+ have surpassed the G7 of which the US is a member. Today, the G7’s GDP has fallen substantially behind, with 30% of the global GDP measured in Purchasing Power Parity. Even when measuring the combined economies of all 32 NATO members, accounting for 30.7% of the global GDP, it pales compared to the BRICS+ 35%. In terms of population, BRICS+ – including its five new members Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Ethiopia – make up 45.3% of the world’s population, compared to 10% for the G7, while NATO represents about 973 million people. Continue reading |
Post-BRICS 2024: Geopolitical Challenges, Opportunities and Future Pathways
| By Dr Byelongo Elisee Isheloke and Kester Kenn Klomegah I would say South Africa is strongly committed to its engagement in the BRICS. It has hosted two of its summits. As an active member, it has what it takes to deliver despite the internal economic crises in South Africa. I think over the years, South Africa grew in confidence within the partnership, particularly when the first BRICS summit took place in Durban South Africa. |
BRICS Expansion: A Transformative Shift for Africa
| The expanded BRICS alliance is fueling transformative investments in Africa, reshaping global power dynamics, and unlocking opportunities in technology, infrastructure, and sustainable development. |
China, Brazil elevate ties to forge shared future
Trump’s Trade War is Doomed to Fail
| The world is shifting faster than they want you to notice. Promises of change, threats of chaos—behind it all, there’s a pattern they don’t want you to see. Let’s break it down. Think BRICS and Xiaoguang Yin Nov 25, 2024 Republican candidate Donald Trump won the U.S. presidential election this month and became the 47th president-elect of the United States. Trump is known for his sharp words and shocking remarks. He is good at exaggerating creating momentum and using his preemptive attitude to give his opponents a crushing blow. For example, Trump boasted during the election that he would „end the Russia-Ukraine war in one day.“ This boast has almost become a bubble as Biden lifted restrictions on Ukraine’s long-range missiles. It is conceivable that as the Russia-Ukraine war escalates violently unless Trump directly abandons Ukraine, the Russia-Ukraine war will continue after Trump takes office. Continue Reading |
Global South Think Tank Alliance helps break the Western monopoly on thought
| The Global South Think Tank Alliance, led by China and 200+ institutions, seeks to counter Western ideological dominance and promote social stability and cooperation across Global South nations. Think BRICS and Xiaoguang Yin Nov 21, 2024 |
The Path to Financial Sovereignty: Modern Monetary Theory and the BRICS Vision
Could BRICS+ use Modern Monetary Theory to create a future where monetary sovereignty and innovative financial frameworks reduce inequality and foster sustainable global development?
| Think BRICS Nov 24, 2024 The economic landscape is witnessing a profound shift, one where alliances such as BRICS Plus (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and Partners) are challenging traditional norms of global finance. A key voice in understanding these dynamics is Professor Yan Liang, a specialist in Modern Monetary Theory (MMT) and global development economics, who recently shared her insights in an interview that interwove theory, practice, and the aspirations of developing nations. |
The World The BRICS Want
 Doug RooneyNov 13, 2024October saw two major international summits meet at the same time: the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa. Two countries (South Africa and India) are members of both the BRICS and the Commonwealth of Nations. Both countries choose to send their head of government to Kazan, sending a deputy to meet with the new British Prime Minister and King Charles in Samoa. October saw two major international summits meet at the same time: the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa. Two countries (South Africa and India) are members of both the BRICS and the Commonwealth of Nations. Both countries choose to send their head of government to Kazan, sending a deputy to meet with the new British Prime Minister and King Charles in Samoa. |
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Russia’s Vision for a New World Order: Key Takeaways from Putin’s 2024 Valdai Club Speech
In Sochi, Putin outlined his vision for a multipolar world, criticizing Western hegemony and advocating for global cooperation based on respect for cultural identities and sovereignty.
| During the 21st annual meeting of the Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi on November 7, 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a thought-provoking speech, covering a range of issues from shifting global powers to the role of cultural sovereignty. His address offered a sweeping narrative on the world’s evolving order, as he sees it, and outlined Russia’s perspective on global cooperation, security, and respect for cultural identities. By reflecting on history and the unique challenges of our time, Putin’s speech framed Russia as a voice for a multipolar world—one where nations operate as equals, unbound by unilateral influence. Here are the central themes and messages that emerged. –A World in Profound Transition -Challenging the Notion of Hegemony -Advocating Multilateralism and the BRICS Model -Criticism of Western Liberalism and “Intolerance” -Russia’s Role as a Guardian of Sovereignty and Stability -Warnings About the Risk of Nuclear Escalation -Critique of NATO and Military Alliances -Global Challenges Beyond Politics -Cultural Respect and Mutual Understanding -Russia’s Vision for a New World Order Continue reading |
How can BRICS de-dollarize the financial system?
BRICS plans to transform the international monetary and financial system, and debated policies at the 2024 summit in Kazan, Russia. How can it challenge the dominance of the US dollar?
Video| Nov 09, 2024 BRICS plans to transform the international monetary and financial system, and debated potential policies at the 2024 summit in Kazan, Russia. Can it successfully challenge the dominance of the US dollar? To discuss BRICS’ proposals, political economist Radhika Desai is joined by Ben Norton and former central banker Kathleen Tyson, author of the book Multicurrency Mercantilism. You can find more episodes of Geopolitical Economy Hour here. Video |
Hidden Facts Could Slow the Rise of the BRICS Payment System
The members‘ genuine commitment to the project remains uncertain; Is the BRICS de-dollarization ambition merely Russia’s wishful thinking?
| This year’s annual BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, made headlines with Putin’s call for the expanding club of emerging economies to create an alternative cross-border payments framework that could rival the Western-led payment system and diminish the greenback’s global dominance. Known as BRICS Bridge, the initiative comes amid growing de-dollarization rhetoric, especially after financial message system SWIFT’s ban on Russian banks – and it appears compelling enough to unite the bloc in promoting national currencies and resisting asset weaponization. However, a concurrent SWIFT banking conference in Beijing highlighted the complexities of implementing the BRICS payment system and advancing de-dollarization. Continue reading |
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Oct 31, 2024
There Won’t Be Any BRICS Common Currency. And It Is A Good Thing
BRICS rejects a common currency, advocating instead for trade in local currencies to ensure economic sovereignty. Learn why dedollarization doesn’t require a new currency.
| Think BRICS and Matteo Oct 29, 2024 Alea iacta est. From Kazan, the protagonists of the great BRICS+ summit drew the conclusions that many expected, especially regarding the new economic order, as well as the new or aspiring participants in multipolarism. On the new economic and financial order, the Kazan Declaration makes it very clear: «We support the NDB in continuously expanding local currency […] We welcome the use of local currencies in financial transactions between BRICS countries and their trading partners»1. Despite what many voices are wrongly repeating, there won’t be any new common currency, and neither have any of the representatives announced that it is even a topic of the BRICS agenda. No back to the gold or Bretton Woods II Continue reading |
China and India reaching a troop withdrawal agreement marks the bankruptcy of the US „Indo-Pacific Strategy“
China and India’s troop withdrawal signals a shift away from U.S.-led Indo-Pacific alliances, raising questions about Western influence and India’s evolving regional strategy.
| According to the latest news, China and India have reached an agreement to withdraw their troops after more than a year of standoff on the disputed border. This agreement was reached at the BRICS Kazan Summit in October this year. This is certainly exciting news because ever since China and India confronted each other on their disputed border in 2022, the outside world has been deeply concerned about the possible military conflict between China and India. |
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Nov 01, 2024
BRICS 2024: Building a New World. Manlio Dinucci
| Oct 28, 2024 The 16th BRICS Summit, chaired by Russia and held in Kazan, capital of the Republic of Tatarstan, was attended by 35 countries and 6 international organisations. The acronym BRICS comes from the initials of the group’s five founding members: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. In 2024, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates joined BRICS, which became BRICS+’BRICS PLUS’. By the time of the 16th Forum, some 30 countries – including Algeria, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Venezuela, Pakistan, Malaysia, Azerbaijan and Turkey – had applied for membership. The 10 BRICS + countries account for more than 46% of the world’s population, in fact about half considering their high population growth rate. By comparison, the G7 (US, Canada, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Japan) represent less than 10% of the world’s population. In 1992, the combined GDP of the G7 countries accounted for more than 45% of world GDP, while the combined GDP of the five countries that would later join the BRICS (in 2009-2011) accounted for 16%. By 2023, BRICS’ share exceeds 35%, while G7’s falls to 29%. The gap will continue to widen. By the end of 2024, the BRICS are expected to grow by 4% on average, higher than the G7’s 1.7%. The BRICS account for about a quarter of global merchandise exports and some dominate key markets such as energy resources, metals and food. |
BRICS Declaration Reinforces Call for Multipolarity
| By Abayomi Azikiwe Global Research, October 30, 2024 Theme: Global Economy A three-day gathering (October 22-24) held in the city of Kazan in the Russian Federation represented the 16th Annual Summit of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa Plus (BRICS). At present there are nine governments that have officially joined the multilateral organization which are the five already mentioned along with the Islamic Republic of Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been approved for membership by the body although they have not formally accepted. Nonetheless, there was high-level representation from Riyadh in attendance in Kazan led by Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan. The Final Declaration of the BRICS Summit held under the theme: “Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security” covered 32 pages encompassing 134 points of agreement. Much of the focus in the document revolves around the desire for the democratization of international trade and the dissolution of punitive and coercive measures including sanctions and economic blockades. (See this) |
The Next Chapter Begins for BRICS+ and Africa in Emerging Multipolar World
| Oct 25, 2024 The 16th BRICS+ summit in Kazan, capital of Tatarstan, with Egypt and Ethiopia participating for the first time, has opened a distinctive chapter for Africa, particularly to seize emerging opportunities for driving further economic growth, sustainable development and regional collaboration. BRICS+ (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) has witnessed the two the second wave of enlargement after South Africa joined in 2010. BRICS+ has also undergone structural and organizational changes, and now being described as non-western association, its primary goals to enhance economic integration with key emerging nations, fostering trade, investment, development, security, and cooperation among leading emerging market economies. |
Emerging Multipolar World
Oct 23, 2024
