BRICS Explained: 2025 Update on Members, Expansion & Global Impact

BRICS: A Comprehensive Overview of an Emerging Global Power Bloc

1. Introduction

BRICS is an acronym for a grouping of five major emerging national economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. These countries, collectively known as BRICS, represent a significant share of the world's population, natural resources, and economic potential. The group was originally known as "BRIC" before the inclusion of South Africa in 2010.

In an era marked by increasing multipolarity and calls for reforms in global governance, BRICS stands as a powerful alliance seeking to reshape the international economic and political order. With a combined population of over 3.2 billion people (more than 40% of the global population), a GDP share of approximately 25% of the global total, and control of vast natural and human resources, BRICS is a formidable actor on the global stage.

2. Historical Evolution of BRICS

2001: Jim O'Neill, a Goldman Sachs economist, coins the term "BRIC" to identify Brazil, Russia, India, and China as future economic powerhouses.

2006: The foreign ministers of BRIC countries meet informally at the UN General Assembly.

2009: The first official BRIC summit is held in Yekaterinburg, Russia, focusing on global economic governance.

2010: South Africa joins the group, turning BRIC into BRICS.

Since then, BRICS summits have been held annually, rotating among member states. These summits are supported by a robust network of ministerial meetings, working groups, and forums.

3. Strategic Objectives and Vision

BRICS seeks to:

• Promote equitable global economic development.
• Reform institutions such as the UN, IMF, and World Bank.
• Enhance South-South cooperation.
• Advocate for multilateralism, peace, and sustainable development.
• Create a multipolar world order that reduces dependency on Western powers.

4. Institutional Architecture

BRICS has developed several institutional mechanisms to support its goals:

a. New Development Bank (NDB)

• Established in 2015, headquartered in Shanghai.
• Focuses on infrastructure and sustainable development projects.
• Founding capital of $100 billion, with equal contributions from each member.
• Has expanded to include new members beyond BRICS (e.g., UAE, Egypt, Bangladesh, Uruguay).

b. Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA)

• A $100 billion financial mechanism to provide liquidity support during balance-of-payment crises.
• Functions as an alternative to the IMF.

c. BRICS Business Council

Encourages trade, investment, and economic collaboration among private sectors.

d. BRICS Think Tanks Council

Promotes collaborative research and policy dialogues.

5. Major Areas of Cooperation

a. Economic and Financial Cooperation

• Reducing reliance on the U.S. dollar through local currency trade.
• Establishing alternatives to SWIFT payment systems.
• Cooperation in digital payments, financial technology, and blockchain.

b. Energy and Infrastructure

• Joint investments in energy infrastructure, including renewables and nuclear energy.
• Initiatives for energy security and transition to cleaner sources.

c. Health and Pandemic Response

• Coordinated response to COVID-19, including vaccine production and distribution.
• Public health cooperation and knowledge sharing.

d. Technology and Innovation

• Collaboration in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, space research, biotechnology, and 5G technology.
• Joint research institutions and innovation networks.

e. Climate Change and Environment

• Strong support for the Paris Climate Agreement.
• Exchange of technologies and best practices for sustainable development.
• Focus on water management, clean energy, biodiversity, and climate finance.

f. Education, Culture, and People-to-People Ties

• BRICS Youth Summit, Film Festival, and Academic Forum.
• Exchange programs for students and scholars.
• Promoting cultural diversity and mutual understanding.

g. Political and Security Cooperation

• Regular meetings of foreign, defense, and national security ministers.
• Counterterrorism dialogue and information sharing.
• Cybersecurity and regulation of emerging digital threats.

6. BRICS Expansion and Outreach

In recent years, BRICS has explored expansion to include more emerging economies. This is often referred to as "BRICS+".

2024–2025 Developments:

• In January 2024, BRICS expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE. Indonesia joined as a full member in January 2025.
• Argentina initially accepted but withdrew post-election. Algeria also pulled out in late 2024.
• Saudi Arabia delayed its decision, maintaining alignment with U.S. strategic interests.
• The bloc introduced a “partner countries” model in October 2024, inviting nations like Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Nigeria, and Malaysia to engage without full membership.
• India blocked Pakistan's bid, citing geopolitical tensions.

7. Current Institutional and Strategic Status (2024–2025)

a. BRICS Pay: A decentralized cross-border payment system is under pilot phase. It aims to reduce dependency on Western systems like SWIFT.

b. NDB Local Lending: The New Development Bank has increased its share of local currency lending, targeting 30% to reduce dollar reliance.

c. Summit Highlights:

The 2024 Kazan Summit emphasized multipolarity, UN reform, digital innovation, and a proposed BRICS Grain Exchange.

The upcoming 2025 Rio Summit is focused on inclusive development, health, AI, and trade reforms.

d. Leadership Absences:

Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin did not attend the 2025 Rio Summit in person. Putin appeared virtually due to ICC issues, while Xi cited scheduling conflicts.

e. Internal Challenges:

• Political systems vary widely—from democracies (India, Brazil) to authoritarian states (Russia, China, Iran).
• China dominates the bloc economically, accounting for 60–70% of BRICS GDP.
• Conflicting stances on global issues (e.g., Ukraine, Gaza, Iran) create friction.

8. Global Role and Geopolitical Balance

• BRICS now accounts for nearly 45% of the world population and around 40% of global GDP (at PPP).
• The bloc continues to challenge Western-led governance by pushing for UN Security Council reform and calling for equity in institutions like the IMF and WTO.
• U.S. reactions have included proposed tariffs on BRICS-aligned economies.

9. Future Prospects and Strategic Vision

• Currency and Trade Reform

Active discussions are underway to create a BRICS reserve currency, though no concrete timeline has been agreed upon.

• Strengthening Governance and Reform Advocacy

BRICS aims to amplify the Global South’s voice in global affairs and push for more inclusive global governance.

• Technology Cooperation

Focus on AI governance, digital public infrastructure, and common data policies.

• Institutional Depth

Proposals include establishing a BRICS secretariat and expanding policy coordination.

10. Conclusion

BRICS has emerged as a vital coalition that reflects the aspirations of a changing global order. With deep-rooted economic, cultural, and geopolitical synergies, the bloc holds the potential to reshape international relations, trade norms, and institutional governance.

In 2024–2025, BRICS has entered a transformative phase marked by rapid expansion, experimentation with financial tools, and assertive geopolitical posturing. Yet, internal ideological divides, economic imbalances, and geopolitical complexities remain significant hurdles. Its long-term success hinges on cohesion, clarity of purpose, and pragmatic reforms.

Suggested Readings and References:

BRICS Joint Declarations (2009–2024)

New Development Bank Annual Reports

UN and IMF Reform Proposals

Reports from El País, Reuters, AP News, CFR, FT, Atlantic Council