BRICS, consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, aims to add six new members by January 1, 2024: Iran, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Argentina.
The US response to BRICS’ expansion plans seems measured, as national security advisor Jake Sullivan downplays the bloc’s threat, citing differing interests.
The White House’s approach appears to avoid confrontation, with no overt denunciation of the initiative as a challenge to American global dominance. The US State Department emphasizes the importance of countries’ freedom to choose their partnerships and alliances.
Instead, the US shifts focus to the upcoming G20 summit in New Delhi, with attention on potential new members Argentina and Saudi Arabia. Notably absent are the UAE, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the US’ rival, Iran. The White House aims for positive outcomes that showcase the G20’s role in economic cooperation.
Some Western countries remain cautious about BRICS’ potential rise as a new center of power, while media outlets express reserved opinions.
The Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten criticizes BRICS for becoming a club of authoritarian leaders, led by China and Russia.
Dutch newspaper NRC notes that China’s aspirations for BRICS were set back, highlighting the economic disparities among member countries and arguing that BRICS remains primarily an economic alliance.
Germany’s approach appears calm, with Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock acknowledging the legitimacy of countries seeking new alliances in a globalized world.
The European Union faces a challenge as the BRICS summit brings historical changes, potentially increasing China’s dominance and shifting BRICS’ emphasis towards confrontation.
BRICS’ expansion forces the EU to demonstrate its credibility, reliability, and fairness as a partner for developing countries, or risk these countries turning to BRICS instead.
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Source: The Indian Express
