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BRICS New Members: Historic Expansion As 6 New Members Join Club

6 New Members BRICS
In 15th BRICS Summit of Aug 2023, 6 New members join the BRICS. This article aims to provide an objective analysis of the recent expansion of BRICS, a global economic cooperation organization.
The article will outline the criteria for selecting new members. Additionally, it will examine the implications of this expansion on global governance, geopolitical order, and member economies.
BRICS New Members Overview
Sections | Details |
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Background |
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New Members in 2023 |
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Selection Criteria |
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Importance of New Members |
Saudi Arabia
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Implications |
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Conclusion | Expansion cements BRICS as major emerging markets bloc. Impact depends on new members enhancing cohesion. |
Introduction
- BRICS recently invited 6 new members – Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and UAE
- This is the first expansion of BRICS since South Africa joined in 2010
- Expansion is significant as BRICS aims to provide counterweight to US-led Western institutions
The recent decision to expand the BRICS grouping by inviting six new countries – Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) – reflects the bloc’s aim to strengthen its collective voice and influence in shaping the international order.
This expansion is significant as it seeks to consolidate the collective voice and influence of emerging economies in global affairs. The original formation of BRICS in 2009 with four members – Brazil, Russia, India, and China – was followed by the inclusion of South Africa in 2010. The addition of these new member states will mark the first expansion of BRICS since then.
The decision was made at a recent summit held in Johannesburg, South Africa, highlighting BRICS’ intention to provide an alternative perspective to Western-dominated institutions such as the IMF and World Bank. By including new emerging economies from different regions around the world, BRICS aims to further diversify its membership and enhance its representation on global issues.
BRICS New Members Map 2023
What is BRICS
- Grouping of 5 major emerging economies – Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa
- Formed in 2009
- Aims to promote cooperation and strengthen multipolarity
BRICS is an acronym that refers to a grouping of five major emerging economies, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. This alliance was established in 2009 as a strategic partnership aimed at promoting cooperation and collaboration among its members across various domains such as economics, politics, development and security.
The founding members are significant rising powers with considerable geopolitical influence in their respective regions. The primary objective of BRICS is to enhance multipolarity in global affairs by challenging the unipolar dominance of Western powers, particularly the United States.
Why Expansion is Happening Now
- Growing rift between Global North and South
- Russia seeking partners amid Ukraine war isolation
- China wants to grow its influence and reduce US dominance
- Applicant countries see benefits of BRICS membership
One key factor contributing to the current expansion of the bloc is the desire of emerging powers to challenge the dominance of Western industrialized nations in shaping global governance. The Global South, encompassing developing countries across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, seeks to establish a more equitable representation in global institutions.
Additionally, the Russia-Ukraine war has led to economic sanctions imposed by Western allies on Russia, resulting in its isolation on the global stage. As a response, Russia aims to find partners and allies within an expanded BRICS framework. China also sees an opportunity to reduce United States’ dominance over global institutions through an expanded BRICS bloc.

New Members
Criteria for Selection
- Significant regional influence
- Boost BRICS economic and demographic weight
- Support reform of global governance
Regional influence, economic potential, and commitment to global governance reform are the key criteria guiding the historic expansion of BRICS. The addition of Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE as new member states from 2023 reflects these criteria.
Each country holds significant weight within its respective region – Saudi Arabia and the UAE in the Middle East, Egypt in North Africa and the Arab world, and Ethiopia emerging as an influential actor in Africa.
Furthermore, these new members will significantly boost the economic and demographic heft of BRICS, increasing its representation of the global economy and population.
Importantly, a shared commitment to reshaping global governance frameworks is evident among these nations. They seek greater representation for emerging economies in international institutions and advocate for comprehensive reform to achieve a more equitable order.
Importance of Each New Member
Saudi Arabia
- Brings major oil producer into group
- Strengthens ties between China/Russia and Gulf countries
Saudi Arabia’s induction into the bloc further strengthens BRICS’ position in the Middle East and enhances its energy security. With Saudi Arabia being the largest Arab economy and the world’s top oil exporter, its inclusion holds significant geostrategic importance for BRICS.
This move aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 agenda of economic diversification and global outreach, which mirrors the shift in geopolitical gravity from West to East. The addition of Saudi Arabia brings one of the most powerful oil-producing countries directly into the fold, benefiting emerging economies like India and China that have high energy needs.
Moreover, it cements growing ties between BRICS members such as China and Russia with major Gulf countries. Overall, this inclusion considerably strengthens BRICS’ standing in the Middle East and bolsters its energy security.
Iran
- Gives Iran economic lifeline amid Western sanctions
- Signals BRICS countries’ independence from US policies
The inclusion of Iran into the BRICS grouping is a significant development, particularly considering the country’s current economic challenges due to Western sanctions. For Iran, this membership offers valuable economic opportunities by providing access to investment, technology, and markets from major emerging economies such as China, India, and Russia.
By deepening trade and integration with BRICS economies using local currencies and alternative financial channels, Iran can reduce its vulnerability to Western coercion. Furthermore, the agreement between Iran and BRICS member India to boost bilateral trade using their own currencies rather than the US dollar is a notable step towards bypassing dollar-dominated systems that are susceptible to US sanctions.
The admission of Iran into BRICS also demonstrates the bloc’s independence from American foreign policy priorities and its willingness to provide an alternative platform for emerging powers that may have differing perspectives from Washington in their respective regions. Despite opposition from the US, influential BRICS members like China and Russia remain committed to maintaining economic partnerships with Tehran.
In all, Iran’s inclusion into the multilateral framework of BRICS exemplifies the bloc’s non-aligned stance and disregard for US sanctions policies.
UAE
- Major Middle East economy aligning with BRICS
- Promotes use of currencies other than US dollar
As a significant player in the Middle East, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) offers BRICS economies valuable opportunities for investment and trade diversification.
The UAE’s admission into BRICS demonstrates its decision to align itself with this bloc rather than exclusively with traditional Western powers.
The country has already taken steps that align with BRICS priorities, such as signing a trade deal with India to conduct bilateral trade using their respective currencies instead of the US dollar. These currency swap agreements between BRICS states and new partners like the UAE promote alternative currencies and reduce the dominance of the US dollar in global finance and trade, which is a key agenda for BRICS.
Additionally, the UAE serves as an important destination for investment from China, India, and Russia. As a member of BRICS, it can be expected that the UAE will advocate for incentives and reforms to boost investment from these countries within its territory.
Furthermore, the UAE provides BRICS with a crucial foothold in both the Middle East and Arab world, leveraging its regional influence to advance BRICS interests.
Egypt
- Influential in Africa and Middle East
- Bridge between BRICS and Arab world
The admission of Egypt into the BRICS alliance holds significant strategic importance due to its geographic location, connecting Africa and the Middle East.
As the largest Arab nation and a historical center of Islamic scholarship, Egypt wields substantial cultural influence in the Muslim world.
Its alignment with powerful Gulf monarchies like Saudi Arabia and UAE, both members of BRICS, positions Egypt as a potential facilitator between BRICS and the Arab world.
Additionally, Egypt’s political and economic prominence in Africa enables it to provide valuable diplomatic support from African nations for BRICS’ reform agenda at international institutions such as the UN Security Council.
Furthermore, Egypt’s sizable population makes it one of Africa’s largest markets, attracting investments from BRICS countries like China and India in sectors such as infrastructure, technology, and manufacturing.
Consequently, its inclusion enhances economic ties between BRICS and one of Africa’s thriving consumer markets.
Ethiopia
- Fastest growing African economy
- Gives BRICS footing on continent
Ethiopia’s accession to the BRICS alliance enhances the bloc’s influence in Africa and strengthens its diplomatic engagement with regional bodies and initiatives on the continent.
With Ethiopia being one of the fastest growing economies in Africa, it brings significant strategic value to BRICS as it gains a foothold on the African continent. Ethiopia’s impressive economic growth rate of 9% over the last decade positions it as a manufacturing hub, attracting heavy investment from Chinese companies.
Furthermore, Ethiopia’s large population and ongoing infrastructural and industrialization needs offer immense opportunities for BRICS members to expand their exports and investments.
As the seat of the African Union, Ethiopia also holds considerable influence in shaping Africa’s continental policies on trade, development, and human rights. Hence, having Ethiopia as a member strengthens BRICS’ ability to engage with African regional bodies and initiatives.
Argentina
- Emerging economy with close ties to Brazil
- Escape from economic crisis is motivation to join
Argentina’s accession to the BRICS alliance expands the bloc’s presence in South America and offers potential economic relief for Argentina amidst its current dire economic crisis. As an emerging economy in Latin America with close ties to Brazil, Argentina’s membership in BRICS strengthens the bloc’s strategic depth in the region.
This move is driven by Argentina’s desire to escape its current dire economic situation, characterized by a crashed currency and soaring inflation. Joining BRICS provides Argentina with access to new export destinations and more avenues for agricultural and resources exports. Additionally, BRICS institutions like the New Development Bank offer Argentina options for development financing without stringent fiscal constraints imposed by western lenders.
This mutually beneficial addition amplifies BRICS’ presence in South America while providing much-needed economic support for Argentina during this challenging period.
Implications
For Global Governance
- Expanded BRICS has louder voice to push reform agenda
- But unity among disparate group is uncertain
Expanding the BRICS alliance to include new diverse economies has the potential to enhance its influence and voice in global governance debates. The enlarged BRICS grouping, representing over 40% of the world’s population and over 25% of global GDP, would have substantial weight to advocate for greater representation of emerging economies in institutions such as the UN Security Council, IMF, and World Bank.
Moreover, an expanded BRICS could facilitate greater coordination among developing countries across Asia, Africa, and South America on issues like climate finance, trade rules, and humanitarian aid. This could result in more concerted efforts to reform global governance architecture.
However, it should be noted that while an expanded BRICS may amplify demands for change, the increased heterogeneity within the group poses challenges for achieving consensus on complex issues. It is crucial for the bloc to develop strong internal coordination in order to effectively drive reformist agendas in global governance matters.
For Geopolitical Order
- Win for Russia and China in challenging US dominance
- But may spark tensions with US and Europe
The inclusion of additional countries into the BRICS alliance has significant implications for the global geopolitical order. The admission of these new members, challenges the dominance of the US-led Western order and assembles a coalition of emerging powers across critical regions.
This coalition can counterbalance American global influence, particularly in areas like the Middle East, Africa, and South America. For Russia, BRICS New members provides international partners that are indifferent or opposed to Western sanctions imposed due to its invasion of Ukraine. Similarly, BRICS New members helps China reshape the international system into a multipolar order where US hegemony is diluted.
However, this geopolitical shift may lead to tensions between BRICS and Euro-Atlantic countries on issues like sanctions, human rights, and democratic governance. Managing these emerging faultlines will be crucial for global stability and governance.
For Member Economies
- Potential for increased trade and investment
- But economic benefits remain uncertain
Member economies of the BRICS alliance can benefit from increased trade and investment opportunities, as well as access to a larger capital base for financing infrastructure and manufacturing projects. BRICS New members alliance opens up new avenues for trade and investment among its members. This diversifies export markets and supply chains, allowing countries like Argentina to become destinations for Brazilian manufactured goods, while Saudi oil can meet the growing energy demand in India and China.
Intra-BRICS trade can be conducted using local currencies, reducing reliance on the US dollar. Additionally, the New Development Bank operated by BRICS gains access to a larger capital base, enabling it to finance projects in member states. However, it is important to note that economic benefits are not guaranteed simply by being part of the BRICS alliance. Market conditions and commercial feasibility play crucial roles in determining actual outcomes.
Developing strong business ties and people-to-people exchanges between BRICS countries is essential for realizing the full economic potential of the bloc.
Conclusion
- Expansion cements BRICS as major force in multipolar world
- Real impact will depend on newly enlarged group’s cohesion and effectiveness
In summary, the success of BRICS in achieving its ambitious vision and transitioning from symbolic rhetoric to real institutional weight will depend on the bloc’s ability to maintain unity and discipline.
The inclusion of 6 new member states has solidified BRICS as a major force in the emerging multipolar world order, giving it greater influence in global governance. However, for this enlarged BRICS to have a meaningful impact, it must develop internal cohesion and act effectively together on the global stage.
If the bloc can achieve strategic convergence despite its diversity, it has the potential to reshape international dynamics. On the other hand, if divergences hinder cooperation within BRICS, its agenda may be obstructed.
Therefore, maintaining unity and discipline is crucial for BRICS to fulfill its ambitious vision and deliver consolidated action as a powerful collective entity in shaping global affairs.
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