Dr. Ali Salehian, a senior researcher in the Sharif Governance and Policy Think Tank (GPTT), recently published an article on the Izvestia News Agency, exploring the factors that are bringing BRICS nations closer together and examining the future direction of this alliance.

In recent discussions within media and expert circles, “BRICS” and “BRICS+” have become key terms representing the unification of Global South powers. Since the first BRICS summit in Russia in 2009, the international landscape has undergone profound shifts. The upcoming BRICS summit in Kazan will define the next steps for this alliance. Russia, as the current chair, has selected the theme “Strengthening Multilateralism for Fair Global Development and Security.”

Five key factors bringing non-Western BRICS nations closer:

• Rise of the Rest: Emerging powers are gaining ground, balancing the historical dominance of Western nations.
• Decline of the West (Westlessness): Western nations are witnessing reduced unity and influence, opening space for non-Western powers.
• Weaponization of Everything: Economic and technological interdependence now often serves as tools of political influence.
• Failure of Traditional Multilateral Mechanisms: Conventional global bodies struggle to effectively address today’s challenges.
• Emerging Transnational Threats: Issues like pandemics and cyber threats call for cooperative solutions.

Areas of common threat and potential cooperation among BRICS nations:

• Global and Transnational Threats: Including pandemics and cyber challenges.
• Western Cultural Agendas: Countering narratives that challenge non-Western cultural identities.
• Trade Disruptions: Tackling tariffs, sanctions, and export restrictions.
• Western Security Coalitions: Addressing alliances aimed at limiting non-Western influence, particularly in West Asia, Europe, and Southeast Asia.

For the full analysis, read the complete article on Izvestia News Agency’s website.