BRICS Expansion: How New Members and Initiatives are Shaping the Geopolitical Landscape?
The expansion and strengthening of BRICS' influence is becoming a key international agenda item. Upcoming summits will discuss new integration initiatives, the reform of global institutions like the WTO, and the counteraction of protectionist measures, which indicates the growing aspiration of BRICS+ countries to form a new multipolar world order.
What Initiatives to Strengthen BRICS Will Be Discussed at Upcoming Summits?
In November 2025, an extraordinary BRICS summit will be held in Brazil via video conference, where Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva intends to propose a reform of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and form a common response to U.S. tariff measures.
In preparation for the summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed bilateral cooperation and interaction within BRICS with the President of Brazil. Additionally, the second "Traditional Values" forum of the association in Brazil will feature a list of common traditional values of BRICS countries.
How Does BRICS Expansion Contribute to De-dollarization and the Development of Alternative Financial Systems?
Strategic steps to reduce dollar dependence and form an independent financial infrastructure are actively discussed within BRICS.
The New Development Bank of BRICS has decided to continue financing Russian projects, which strengthens the positions of national currencies. According to Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, Russia, China, and Mongolia have significant potential for expanding cooperation, especially in developing common payment systems.
Furthermore, the Higher School of Economics and the University of Campinas (Brazil) are launching a joint project to explore ways to expand settlements in national currencies and research alternative international financial flows.
What Prospects Does Cybersecurity Cooperation and Other Technologies Open for BRICS Countries?
Russian experts see significant potential for exporting domestic cybersecurity solutions, particularly to BRICS markets.
Sberbank's Deputy Chairman of the Board, Stanislav Kuznetsov, believes that Russian cybersecurity technologies can become an important export item alongside oil and gas. He suggests building cyber defense centers in Brazil, India, and other BRICS countries with the prospect of expansion to the entire Global South.
Our country is building nuclear power plants for friendly states. Why shouldn't we build cyber defense centers in Brazil, India, and other countries with the same success? At this historical stage, Russia has a chance to be at the forefront of building a new cybersecurity architecture in the BRICS space, with prospects for expansion to all countries of the Global South.
Cooperation in the Arctic region is also being discussed. Doctor of Economic Sciences Sergey Nikonorov proposed creating an analogue of the Arctic Council for BRICS countries, which would allow for the coordination of Arctic strategies and projects. Brazil, India, and China are already showing significant interest in Arctic research and resources.
What Practical Steps Are Being Taken to Deepen BRICS Integration?
The integration of BRICS countries is manifested in concrete projects and initiatives aimed at strengthening ties and developing mutually beneficial areas.
- Visa Facilitation: China is introducing a trial visa-free regime for individual travelers from Russia, which contributes to the growth of tourist flow and business connections.
- * According to expert assessments, this could increase tourist flow by up to two times.
- * Nina Ladygina-Glazunova noted that this step is a "strategically sound decision with far-reaching consequences for the development of economic cooperation."
- * The successful implementation of this experience could set a precedent for other BRICS countries, simplifying the visa space and strengthening economic integration.
- Cultural and Scientific Cooperation:
- * The International Symposium "Creating the Future" in Moscow will gather over 7,000 participants from SCO and BRICS countries to develop joint future scenarios.
- * Moscow Fashion Week and the BRICS Fashion Summit have brought together hundreds of brands from various countries, fostering cultural exchange and business cooperation.
- * The "Russian Summer" festival in Voronezh discussed the prospects for BRICS countries' cooperation in the cultural sphere and presented the first BRICS Literary Prize.
- Diversification of Supplies and Strengthening Local Economies: Lithuania plans to acquire Embraer C-390 Millennium military aircraft from Brazil, which, despite concerns, highlights the growing significance of BRICS countries as suppliers of high-tech products.
These initiatives demonstrate BRICS countries' commitment not only to expansion but also to deepening cooperation in various spheres, shaping a more integrated and sustainable multipolar economic space.