Amid the calls for the BRICS countries to embrace expansion, more member states could introduce more power and more conflict. Specifically, the introduction of countries like Saudi Arabia would not only drive the bloc’s growing influence but also present a threat to the unity required for their continued establishment.
For the BRICS Alliance, unity has been vital. Amid plans for an internal alternative currency, a shared perspective has been important to its continued development. Conversely, by introducing more countries, that unified perspective could face some turbulence.
BRICS Expansion Could Come with a Cost
This year, the BRICS economic bloc has dominated headlines. With its de-dollarization efforts taking hold and a currency development in discussions, its growing relevance has been an interesting development to note. Yet, as the bloc seeks to grow, questions over its cohesiveness grow as well.
With the BRICS nations observing potential expansion, more power for the collective could also introduce more conflict. Specifically, international trade currency agreements will rely on the necessity for common understanding and unity.
Ahead of the annual summit, 19 nations have sought membership in the BRICS bloc. Moreover, these nations range from Argentina to the UAE. Alternatively, for the bloc’s efforts to challenge the global influence held by the G7 countries, unification is a prerequisite for its expanded influence.
The summit is already primed to be the setting for BRICS expansion discussions. Moreover, the issue of growth had already incited some disagreement. Many were concerned about the growing power of China over the bloc’s other members.
However, as the expansive efforts have become more uniform, increasing the size of the collective could threaten that. Ultimately, the influence of the bloc will depend on the unity of its members. Thus, these expansion efforts must come with careful consideration of potential power conflict, and how they may affect both its existing members and its end goals.