The Red Sea crisis exposes BRICS’ deep divisions

The formation of a powerful multipolar bloc, BRICS, has been complicated by deep divisions among its 21 members, especially in the Middle East. Following Houthi forces taking control of the Yemeni port of Mokha and Mayyun Island, Iran now has immense control over Yemen's Red Sea coast, effectively choking around 12% of global trade that passes through that waterway. This situation has led to decreased shipping traffic and increased costs, affecting key members and partners of the bloc.

BRICS represents 49.5% of the global population, 40% of global GDP, and 26% of global trade. However, its ability to speak with one voice on international issues has been significantly undermined by the recent expansion of its membership. The bloc's inability to address the crisis in the Middle East, where its members are on opposite sides, is eroding its credibility and ability to act as a representative entity for the Global South.

While some BRICS members, such as Russia and China, have supported the Houthis, others like the UAE and Saudi Arabia have been at odds for years over Yemen, Sudan, and Somalia. India and China, too, are involved in border disputes along the Line of Control in Kashmir. China also faces long-standing disputes with Vietnam and Indonesia in the South China Sea.

With each expansion of BRICS, the bloc's ability to reach consensus has decreased, leaving it with only opposition to the United States and its allies as a common ground. As a result, the bloc may find it increasingly difficult to maintain its position as a pole of a multipolar order.