The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the member countries of the BRICS recently met in Rio de Janeiro for the second and last day of their discussions, marking a significant stage in cooperation between these 11 nations. This event, coinciding with a period of growing global tensions, made it possible to lay milestones in the search for a more balanced world order, while invariaing on the challenges encountered by developing countries.
During the press conference that followed, the Brazilian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mauro Vieira clearly articulated the concerns of the Alliance. The rise in protectionist measures, although the subject of concern, has been discussed without explicitly designating the United States, testifying to a desire to avoid a direct confrontation and to explore the future on constructive bases. This approach raises the question of how nations can navigate effectively in an increasingly fractured commercial landscape.
The BRICS, which now include countries like Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates in their enlarged configuration, aspire to strengthen multilateralism. But what does this strengthening really imply? The discussions have stressed the importance of cooperation to deal with contemporary crises, while calling for an urgent reform of the United Nations Security Council. This reform is perceived as essential to guarantee a legitimate and effective representation, in particular by increasing the participation of the countries of Africa, Asia and Latin America. This point suggests a recognition of the dynamics of evolving power, where the voice of the traditionally marginalized nations seeks to be better understood in the global system.
There is no doubt that the countries of the BRICS Bloc are faced with considerable economic challenges, exacerbated by unilateral policies like those observed during the presidency of Donald Trump. The possibility of a global economic slowdown, and the ministers justified their meeting by the need to formulate collective responses to these uncertainties. In this context, how can BRICS not only preserve their respective growth, but also promote a cooperative economic dynamic that benefits all their members?
In addition, the desire to promote peace and resolve conflicts in a peaceful manner appears to be a shared priority among the participants. But behind this principle, hides a complex reality where each country must juggle its own geopolitical and economic interests. Can BRICS actually work as a united block in the face of regional crises, or could the differences between members hinder their ability to act in a concerted manner?
A few months before the 16th summit of the BRICS, scheduled for July 2024 in Rio de Janeiro, it is crucial to question how the discussions carried out so far can materialize in concrete actions. The road to a reformed world order will be strewn with pitfalls, but the will to listen and dialogue could be a first step. In the end, it is in interaction and mutual understanding that the key to a more stable future for the world is.
Thus, the question remains: how far can the BRICS go to not only exist as a forum of interstate exchanges, but also to be able to ask themselves as influential actors in the redefinition of the international landscape? This debate, rich and carrying crucial issues, deserves to be followed carefully while the world is positioning itself in the face of shared challenges, but also unprecedented cooperation opportunities.