BRICS Summit: A Push for a Multipolar World

The recent BRICS summit in Russia marked a significant geopolitical gathering amid global tensions. Russian President Vladimir Putin used the platform to promote the vision of a multipolar world order, aiming to reduce Western influence. This summit was attended by leaders from the BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—along with representatives from other countries, including Iran, Venezuela, and Turkey.

Putin's agenda was clear: to showcase Russia's diplomatic reach and counter its perceived isolation following its actions in Ukraine. Notably absent from discussions was the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant for Putin over the deportation of Ukrainian children. Instead, the focus was on alliances and expanding BRICS' influence.

In a move to bolster the bloc's weight, BRICS announced the inclusion of new members like Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. This expansion is intended to solidify BRICS as a counterbalance to Western-led institutions such as the G7 and NATO.

The summit also provided a stage for bilateral discussions, with China and India calling for peace in Ukraine, while highlighting their desire for increased collaboration. The presence of UN Secretary-General António Guterres sparked debates, given the ongoing conflicts.

As BRICS looks to integrate more countries from the Global South, Putin emphasized the bloc's shared values and its role in fostering global stability. However, critics, particularly from the EU, accused Putin of leveraging the summit for political ends. Despite these criticisms, the summit underscored a growing interest in a diversified global power structure, reflecting shifts in international alliances.