Answer

The BRICS consortium represents a significant coalition of emerging economies – comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates —. Collectively, they account for over 40% of the global population and approximately 25% of the world’s GDP. Established to enhance cooperation among member states, BRICS aims to reform existing international institutions to better reflect contemporary economic realities, rather than creating an entirely new global order.

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BRICS’s Approach: Reforming, Not Replacing, the Global Order

• Incremental Reforms: The group’s actions focus on gradual, constructive changes that align with the current global order while addressing imbalances.
• Engagement with Existing Institutions: BRICS actively participates in established global organisations, advocating for reforms to make them more representative.
  For example: BRICS nations have consistently called for reforms in the United Nations Security Council to include permanent seats for countries like India and Brazil, reflecting the changing global power dynamics.
• Promotion of Multilateralism: BRICS emphasises the importance of multilateralism, working within current frameworks to address global challenges collaboratively, rather than forming alternative alliances.
  For example: During the COVID-19 pandemic, BRICS countries collaborated within the World Health Organization to ensure equitable vaccine distribution, reinforcing their commitment to existing multilateral efforts.
• Advocacy for Inclusive Global Governance: The bloc seeks to reform global governance structures to be more inclusive, ensuring that emerging economies have a voice, rather than dismantling the current order.
  For example: BRICS has advocated for greater representation of developing countries in the International Monetary Fund’s decision-making processes, aiming for a more balanced global financial system.
• Support for Existing Trade Systems: BRICS supports the World Trade Organization (WTO) and calls for reforms to make it more equitable, rather than creating a new trade organisation.
  For example: BRICS nations have collectively opposed protectionist measures within the WTO framework, advocating for fair trade practices that benefit all member states.
• Collaboration on Global Security Issues: The group engages in dialogues on global security within existing platforms, aiming to enhance cooperation under current mechanisms rather than establishing new security structures.
  For example: BRICS countries have participated in United Nations peacekeeping missions, contributing to global stability through established channels.
• Respect for Sovereignty and Non-Interference: BRICS upholds the principles of sovereignty and non-interference, aligning with the current international legal framework, and does not seek to alter these foundational norms.
  For example: In joint statements, BRICS nations have emphasised the importance of respecting national sovereignty and resolving conflicts through dialogue within existing international laws.

BRICS’s Efforts to Reform and Improve the Existing Global System

• Financial Reforms for Equitable Development: Through the NDB and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement, BRICS provides alternative financial resources, promoting development and financial stability in member countries.
  For example: The NDB has financed infrastructure projects in India, such as the Madhya Pradesh Major District Roads Project, enhancing regional connectivity and economic growth.
• Advocacy for UN Security Council Reform: BRICS consistently calls for reforms in the UN Security Council to reflect contemporary geopolitical realities, advocating for the inclusion of emerging economies in decision-making processes.
  For example: India, supported by other BRICS members, has been a strong proponent of expanding the Security Council to include permanent seats for countries from Africa, Latin America, and Asia.
• Promotion of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The bloc aligns its initiatives with the United Nations’ SDGs, focusing on poverty eradication, health, education, and environmental sustainability, thereby strengthening existing global development frameworks.
• Enhancement of Global Trade Practices: BRICS advocates for fairer trade practices within the WTO, addressing issues like trade imbalances and market access, aiming to make the global trade system more equitable.
  For example: The group has proposed measures to reduce agricultural subsidies in developed countries, which distort global markets and disadvantage farmers in developing nations.
• Strengthening of Public Health Systems: Collaborative efforts in healthcare, such as joint disease surveillance and research, aim to bolster global health security within existing international health regulations.
  For example: BRICS nations have established a vaccine research and development centre to enhance preparedness for future pandemics in coordination with the World Health Organization.
• Investment in Science and Technology: The bloc invests in joint research and innovation projects, contributing to global scientific advancements and technological progress, thereby enriching the existing global knowledge economy.
  For example: BRICS countries have collaborated on space research initiatives, sharing satellite data for disaster management and environmental monitoring.
• Commitment to Climate Change Mitigation: BRICS engages in climate agreements, committing to emission reductions and sustainable practices, strengthening global environmental governance.
  For example: At the Paris Agreement, BRICS nations pledged to implement national strategies for reducing carbon emissions, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change.

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BRICS’s approach is characterised by a commitment to reforming and enhancing the existing global order to make it more inclusive and representative of contemporary realities. By engaging constructively within current international frameworks and advocating for necessary reforms, BRICS seeks to contribute to a more balanced and equitable global system, rather than creating an entirely new world order.

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