Brics's strength lies in being a bridge, not another bloc
For an organisation founded less than two decades ago, the Brics group of nations is displaying a maturity beyond its years. The 11-nation group now accounts for about a quarter of the world’s nominal gross domestic product and roughly half of its population. Counting several major energy producers and consumers among its ranks, Brics is too significant to overlook, but also too diverse to…
The Brics group of nations, established in the last two decades, is showing an impressive level of maturity for its age. Comprising 11 countries, the organization now represents a quarter of global nominal gross domestic product and roughly half of the world's population. This significant membership includes major energy producers and consumers, making Brics too impactful to ignore.
However, its diversity—encompassing various political systems, strategic interests, and relationships with the West—presents a challenge in operating like a conventional geopolitical alliance. Despite this, this diversity could be one of Brics' strengths.
The recent summit in New Delhi, which concluded yesterday, brought together leaders from these diverse nations. The meeting underscored the importance of maintaining connections and consensus among existing geopolitical factions, rather than imposing a new one. This consensus-building approach was evident in the joint statement urging restraint in the Iran conflict, which garnered agreement from nearly all participating countries, each with their own interests.
The UAE, a Brics member with multiple partnerships, demonstrated the value of this consensus-building approach during the summit. Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed's meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, while brief, highlighted the importance of keeping communication channels open, even in tense situations. Dr Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to President Sheikh Mohamed, emphasized Brics' philosophy of "deterrence and diplomacy," both essential for effective engagement.
This approach, he noted, is relevant beyond Iran's complex situation and provides Brics with another platform for the UAE to practice its principle of strategic autonomy in foreign policy.
Brics' role in maintaining relationships across geopolitical divides is a key value, particularly in an increasingly divided world. While members may not agree on everything, the organization's ability to keep doors open with external countries can enhance its usefulness. As the world becomes more divided, Brics' focus on connectivity and consensus could prove vital in fostering cooperation beyond traditional blocs.
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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