The recent BRICS summit held in Kazan, Russia, showcased a gathering of leaders from countries that often find themselves at odds with Western powers. The assembly, which included autocrats and dictators, was marked by self-congratulatory rhetoric about creating a "fairer" world order.
The summit's final declaration revealed a lack of concrete agreements, highlighting the diverse and often conflicting interests of the member states. While the group aims to position itself as a counterweight to Western influence, it remains more of a loose coalition than a cohesive alliance.
The final declaration from the summit was filled with vague and contradictory statements, failing to deliver on the ambitious goals set forth by its members. Notably, the much-touted "de-dollarization" initiative, which seeks to reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar, has made little headway. Similarly, the proposed BRICS payment system, intended as an alternative to the SWIFT network, remains largely aspirational.
While the tangible outcomes of the summit were meager, the event served as a propaganda victory for Russia. Putin took the opportunity to project an image of international support, emphasizing the notion of a "big global family" united against perceived Western aggression.
The summit's proceedings were marked by a conspicuous lack of accountability regarding Russia's actions. The UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who participated in the discussions, refrained from directly addressing the violations of international law associated with Russia's military operations.
The BRICS members' final declaration consisted of 134 points, many of which were filled with platitudes and vague commitments. Phrases such as "we are concerned" and "we welcome" dominated the document, reflecting a lack of substantive action.
The leaders expressed a desire for a multipolar world order and condemned "illegal sanctions," yet their own domestic policies often contradict these ideals. For instance, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who has faced international condemnation for his authoritarian regime, hailed BRICS as the "community of the future," further illustrating the disconnect between rhetoric and reality.
As BRICS seeks to establish itself as a formidable player on the global stage, the question of cohesion among its members looms large. The diverse interests of the member states, ranging from economic aspirations to geopolitical ambitions, complicate the group's ability to present a united front.
The ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly in relation to the West, may further strain the relationships within BRICS. As member states pursue their own agendas, the potential for fragmentation increases. The summit in Kazan may have been a moment of celebration for some, but the underlying divisions and lack of actionable plans indicate that the road ahead for BRICS is anything but certain.