The BRICS Summit, held in the Russian city of Kazan last month, has generated substantial debate, positioning Russian President Vladimir Putin in a favorable spotlight despite his ongoing isolation by Western nations. This year’s summit marked an expansion milestone for the BRICS alliance, which began in 2006 with Brazil, Russia, India, and China and later included South Africa. Now, with new members like Ethiopia, Egypt, Iran, and the UAE joining, BRICS represents nearly half the world’s population and a substantial percentage of its economy. Yet, its choice of host city and the geopolitical implications of Putin’s leadership cast a shadow over the alliance’s stated goals of economic cooperation and multipolarity.

The origins of BRICS lie in a vision to challenge the dominance of the US and its Western allies, aiming for a more balanced and equitable global economy. In principle, BRICS was created to represent emerging economies that sought autonomy from the Western-centric world order, which has long been dominated by institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank, and the G7. This group has evolved over the years, and its focus on diminishing Western influence remains a core principle, even as new economic and political dynamics shape its direction.

However, the decision to host this year’s summit in Russia, a country embroiled in international controversy due to its invasion of Ukraine, has raised ethical questions. Putin has been the subject of an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant for alleged war crimes in Ukraine. By convening in Russia, BRICS risks undermining its image as a force for fairness and economic justice. The move has not only been controversial but has also led some to question whether BRICS is abandoning its stated purpose of........

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