• BRICS has expanded by adding Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iran, Egypt, and Ethiopia in 2024, making it the first expansion in over ten years.

• This enlargement has important global consequences, with nearly 30 other countries showing interest in joining BRICS in the future

The BRICS economic alliance has ushered in the new year by officially expanding its membership to include five new nations: Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Iran, Egypt, and Ethiopia. This expansion, initially proposed during the alliance’s annual summit in 2023, marks a milestone in BRICS history and carries substantial geopolitical implications.

The inclusion of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Iran, Egypt, and Ethiopia in BRICS carries substantial geopolitical implications. This expansion aligns with BRICS’ multipolar goals, diversifying and strengthening the alliance’s influence on the global stage. These countries, each with unique geopolitical and economic significance, are poised to contribute to the alliance’s multipolar goals. With their addition, BRICS reinforces its position as a key player in shaping global economic and political dynamics.

Argentina’s Rejection and Changing Priorities

Among the five expansion nations, Argentina was originally invited to join the BRICS alliance but has since declined the opportunity. This decision came in the wake of a regime change in Argentina with the ascension of President Javier Milei. Milei, a self-described anarcho-libertarian, has unveiled a series of radical economic reforms since assuming office in December, reshaping the country’s foreign policy.

President Milei’s foreign policy stance reflects a shift from the previous administration’s efforts to build ties with other developing countries, such as BRICS members. Former center-left President Alberto Fernandez had advocated for Argentina’s inclusion in BRICS to foster economic relations with the bloc, which collectively accounts for approximately 25 percent of the world’s GDP. However, Milei’s approach aligns more closely with Western countries, marking a departure from his predecessor’s diplomatic stance.

BRICS Expansion 

The expansion of the BRICS alliance has far-reaching geopolitical implications. It is the first expansion effort of BRICS since South Africa joined more than a decade ago. This expansion underscores the alliance’s commitment to strengthening its influence on the global stage.

Beyond the five new member nations, the BRICS alliance has garnered substantial interest from other countries seeking to join its ranks in the future. Reports indicate that nearly 30 nations have expressed their desire to establish partnerships with BRICS. This widespread interest underscores the alliance’s growing influence and attractiveness as a platform for economic, political, and security collaboration.

The expansion efforts are not limited to 2024, as the alliance anticipates the inclusion of six additional countries at its upcoming annual summit in Russia. This ongoing expansion demonstrates BRICS’ commitment to fostering inclusive and multipolar global governance.

BRICS’ Vision for the Future

In a recent statement by Minister Sergey Lavrov, Russia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, emphasized the alliance’s commitment to strengthening multilateralism for equitable global development and security. 

The upcoming BRICS agenda will revolve around “Strengthening Multilateralism for Equitable Global Development and Security.” Over 10 Russian cities are slated to host more than 200 economic, political, and public events, culminating in the BRICS summit scheduled for October in Kazan.

BRICS Explores Common Currency

As previously noted in a piece by Crypto News Flash, former Russian President advisor Sergey Glazyev revealed that the BRICS countries are actively constructing a unified currency to displace the dollar. 

As China and Saudi Arabia lead efforts to reduce dependency on the US dollar, there’s growing speculation about whether Bitcoin could emerge as a significant player in this shifting financial landscape. Bitcoin price reached $43,688 with a 24-hour increase of 1% at the time of writing.

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