Introduction
The global geopolitical landscape is undergoing a seismic shift as BRICS—originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—expands into BRICS+ with the inclusion of new members like Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. This expansion signals a deliberate challenge to the Western-dominated financial and political order, particularly institutions like the IMF, World Bank, and G7.
As an International Relations Analyst, I assess that BRICS+ is not merely an economic bloc but a strategic counterweight to U.S. and European influence. With de-dollarization efforts, alternative trade mechanisms, and a growing emphasis on multipolarity, BRICS+ is reshaping global power dynamics. This article explores its rise, implications, and potential to disrupt Western hegemony.
Understanding the Landscape
What is BRICS+?
BRICS was formed in 2009 as an economic coalition to foster cooperation among emerging economies. The 2023 expansion transformed it into BRICS+, adding five major economies:
Saudi Arabia & UAE (energy giants)
Iran (geopolitical heavyweight)
Egypt & Ethiopia (key African players)
This expansion increases BRICS+'s share of:
Global GDP (37% PPP terms, surpassing G7)
Oil production (over 40% of world supply)
Population (nearly 50% of humanity)
Why Does BRICS+ Threaten Western Dominance?
De-Dollarization – BRICS+ promotes local currency trade, reducing reliance on the U.S. dollar.
Alternative Institutions – The New Development Bank (NDB) and Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) rival the IMF and World Bank.
Geopolitical Realignment – Members like Russia and China push for a multipolar world order, challenging U.S. unipolarity.
Case Studies: How BRICS+ is Reshaping Global Politics
1. Economic Warfare & Sanctions Evasion
Russia’s Resilience: After Western sanctions over Ukraine, Russia deepened trade with BRICS+ members, using yuan and rupee transactions to bypass dollar restrictions.
Iran’s Integration: Previously isolated, Iran now accesses BRICS+ markets, reducing the impact of U.S. sanctions.
2. Energy Politics: The Petrodollar Under Threat
Saudi Arabia’s Shift: Once a staunch U.S. ally, Saudi now accepts yuan for oil, signaling declining petrodollar dominance.
BRICS+ Energy Alliance: With Russia, Iran, UAE, and Saudi in the group, they control over 60% of global oil reserves, giving them leverage over energy markets.
3. Diplomatic Influence: Expanding Beyond Economics
Africa’s Pivot: Ethiopia and Egypt’s inclusion strengthens BRICS+ influence in Africa, countering Western aid dependency.
Global South Representation: BRICS+ positions itself as the voice of developing nations, contrasting with the G7’s Western-centric policies.
Theoretical Analysis: Multipolarity vs. Unipolarity
Realist Perspective: Power Transition Theory
BRICS+ represents a power shift from U.S. hegemony to a multipolar system.
As China and Russia lead the bloc, they challenge U.S. military and economic dominance.
Liberal Institutionalist View: A Challenge to Bretton Woods?
The NDB and CRA offer loans without IMF-style austerity conditions, appealing to Global South nations.
If BRICS+ creates a parallel financial system, the IMF and World Bank could lose relevance.
Constructivist Angle: A New Worldview
BRICS+ promotes "non-Western" values, emphasizing sovereignty over interventionism.
Narratives of "anti-colonial solidarity" attract post-colonial states disillusioned with Western policies.
The Role of International Organizations
Can BRICS+ Replace the UN or WTO?
UN: BRICS+ lacks a unified security council veto but can block Western resolutions.
WTO: With U.S.-China trade wars, BRICS+ may push for alternative dispute mechanisms.
Competing with the G7 and OECD
If BRICS+ coordinates policy, it could outmaneuver G7 on climate, trade, and tech regulations.
Digital Currency Race: BRICS+ explores CBDCs (Central Bank Digital Currencies) to bypass SWIFT.
Strategies for BRICS+ and Western Responses
BRICS+ Strategies for Growth
Expand Membership: Indonesia, Nigeria, and Argentina could join next.
Strengthen Financial Systems: More local currency settlements and a BRICS currency proposal.
Military-Tech Cooperation: Russia-China defense tech sharing reduces reliance on Western arms.
How the West Might Respond
Containment: Strengthening NATO and Indo-Pacific alliances (Quad, AUKUS).
Economic Countermeasures: Sanctioning BRICS+ trade mechanisms.
Soft Power Competition: Increasing aid and diplomacy in Africa and Latin America.
Conclusion and Summary
The rise of BRICS+ marks a historic challenge to Western hegemony. With its economic might, energy dominance, and geopolitical alliances, the bloc is constructing an alternative world order. While it may not fully replace Western institutions yet, its expansion signals a decline in unipolar U.S. dominance.
Key Takeaways:
✔ BRICS+ now controls ~40% of global oil, weakening the petrodollar.
✔ De-dollarization is accelerating, with yuan/rupee trade rising.
✔ The New Development Bank rivals the IMF for Global South financing.
✔ Western powers must adapt or risk losing influence in a multipolar world.
As BRICS+ grows, the 21st century’s defining power struggle will be between U.S.-led alliances and the emerging multipolar coalition. The question is no longer if the West’s dominance will fade—but how fast.
Final Word: The geopolitical chessboard is being redrawn. Whether BRICS+ succeeds in fully dismantling Western hegemony remains uncertain, but its rise ensures that the era of unchallenged U.S. leadership is over.
