Within the context of geopolitical changes, the 16th annual BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) summit held in late October 2024 in Kazan, the capital of Republic of Tatarstan, focused of reviewing its organizational structure, emerging challenges, its strategic enlargement and future economic perspectives.

According to Kremlin statements, more than 20 heads of state and government, mainly from Africa, Latin America, and Asia, have travelled to Kazan. It was historically symbolic: Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted more than 20 world leaders primarily to advance his shared idea of a “multipolar world” as a bulwark against United States dominance and hegemony. The BRICS has also reiterated its collective call for reforms of the UN Security Council.

Described as an informal association uniting the largest economic group of nations in the southern hemisphere which is referred to as the Global South, it incorporates distinctive features of 40% of the world’s natural resources, huge population, and intricate ethno-diversity. At the same time, an analysis shows traditionally large impoverished population is located in these countries in the Global South.

In 2006, Brazil, Russia, India, and China created the BRIC group, which expanded into BRICS in 2010 with the addition of South Africa. As BRICS that currently includes Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, as well as previous members, the 16th summit set the stage for critical review of its description and the broad challenging aspirations, and on a new path steadily advancing into a new future.

Ahead of the summit, Putin explicitly outlined the association’s parameters, explained what BRICS stands for, to drive in the true meaning in the geopolitical context. There have been several (mis)interpretations and misunderstanding of its decription. And some overblown statements in the media, deepening rivalry between BRICS and the western world. While there are growing........

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