Brics and the SCO offer a different vision of global power
By now there is an almost overwhelming consensus that the old international order as we knew it has failed, or is fading away. Inasmuch as America trumpeted that it should be “rules-based”, while constantly carving out exceptions for itself and its allies, that veneer has been fully stripped away. That process became fully recognisable when former US president Joe Biden stood by while Israel…
The old international order as we once knew it appears to be fading away, with the United States no longer adhering to its supposed "rules-based" approach. This shift became evident when former US President Joe Biden allowed Israel to bomb Gaza, and when current President Donald Trump illegally kidnapped Venezuela's leader, Nicolas Maduro.
The UN seems unable to effectively address the 65 state-based conflicts registered last year, the highest number since its inception after World War II. This situation has prompted the emergence of alternative institutions, such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and Brics.
The SCO, consisting of China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Central Asian states, Belarus, and Iran, has grown from a regional framework to a global powerhouse representing 42% of the world's population and the largest human market. Brics, initially formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, now includes the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iran, Indonesia, and Ethiopia, accounting for 49.5% of the world's population and 40% of global GDP (at purchasing power parity).
Brics is viewed as a reflection of the Bandung non-aligned movement and has become more influential than its founding members.
While both SCO and Brics face skepticism, they are not aiming to replace the existing order but rather to forge a new balance of power based on collaboration and non-confrontation. Both organizations emphasize the importance of the UN and advocate for significant reforms. The SCO's "Shanghai Spirit" centers on joint work for progress, while Brics seeks to reduce dependence on the US dollar and promote economic cooperation and investment.
In conclusion, SCO and Brics offer an alternative model to the zero-sum approach adopted by many Western countries, where disagreements often lead to moral absolutes affecting various aspects of life. Despite having serious political and territorial issues, SCO and Brics countries continue to collaborate in vast areas, presenting a potential long-term solution while a new world order emerges.
Written by urgent.news from The National UAE's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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