In this week’s round-up: Brazil’s President Lula and Putin hold talks on Ukraine war and BRICS; Was Nigeria snubbed by BRICS?; Cuba joining BRICS is a quiet warning to Trump; Uganda aligns with BRICS, bad news for Uganda’s queer population; BRICS+ and G20: Competing or collaborating for Global South?
Bangura’s perspective on Nigeria’s BRICS classification
To most Nigerians currently celebrating the announcement of Nigeria as a mere ‘Partner’ in BRICS, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates – Professor Yusuf Bangura’s timely intervention in his article published in the Daily Trust must count as a brutal wake-up call, an alarming reminder of how far Nigeria has fallen in stature in global affairs, particularly in Africa.
Nigeria in BRICS: a means of strategic autonomy
BRICS is an informal group of countries seeking a shift from the classical policy of ‘balance of power’ to ‘rebalancing of power’ in international relations, but the definienda of the new balance of power are yet to be well delineated.
Prabowo thanks India for Indonesia’s BRICS accession, vows to strengthen security ties
President Prabowo Subianto expressed his gratitude to the Indian government for supporting Indonesia’s bid for permanent membership of BRICS.
Geopolitical implications of Ghana joining BRICS
A look at the potential benefits and challenges of BRICS membership.
Opinion | Trump’s America will be forced to grapple with a rising BRICS
A rising, empowered and enlarged BRICS grouping that could eclipse the G20 as the key forum for many states. Last October, Putin hosted the 16th summit for BRICS, which has grown from a body comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates and, most recently, Indonesia.
Assessing Indonesia’s relations with the US after joining BRICS
Critics have argued that BRICS membership could complicate Indonesia’s relationships with the US and European Union (EU). For example, BRICS’ declared intention to use local currencies for trading among members may undermine the US dollar’s dominance in international trade and even trigger punishment from US President Trump’s administration. Nonetheless, de-dollarisation remains more of an aspiration than a real threat to US dollar dominance.
Malaysia to enhance trade with BRICS, FTA partners in 2025
Malaysia has set trade targets for 2025 with a focus on the BRICS group, Free Trade Agreement (FTA) partners and emerging markets.
Malaysia must walk fine line between new BRICS partnership and West
Malaysia and eight other nations officially became partner countries of the BRICS emerging nations grouping this after the Southeast Asian nation filed its bid last July to join the 10-member economic alliance that includes Russia and China.
Venezuela’s BRICS membership is a reality
Venezuela is part of BRICS, and the path to join this association is being cleared, President of Venezuela Nicolas Maduro said.
Uganda aligns with BRICS, bad news for Uganda’s queer population
It is January, of the year 2025, and Uganda makes an axial decision that will fundamentally impact its standing within the political and economical tensions of the world: to align itself with BRICS, which stands for an economic alliance formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. This is an action made out of desperation.
Pakistani entrepreneur Saad wins prestigious BRICS & SCO award
In a historic achievement for Pakistan, 22-year-old entrepreneur Saad Siddiqui has been awarded the BRICS and SCO Social Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 award in Russia.
Cuba joining BRICS is a quiet warning To Trump
U.S. President Donald Trump has placed communist-led Cuba back onto the U.S. list of sponsors of terrorism. It’s an absurd, obsolete instrument and outrageously unfair to a people that have already suffered decades of poverty and even hunger from Washington’s longstanding blockade, writes Ricardo Chica.
Brazil’s President Lula and Putin hold talks on Ukraine war and BRICS
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the Ukraine conflict, trade and bilateral relations in a telephone conversation on January 27, as Moscow sought to strengthen ties with Latin America’s largest economy.
The growth of BRICS raises questions about a rapidly shifting world order
BRICS has emerged as a significant international force since 2009 when it was established at a summit in Russia. What began as a five-member group encompassing Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, is now expanding with the integration of five new members and eight new partner countries. Even more countries may be joining in the next few years.
BRICS+ and G20: Competing or collaborating for Global South?
South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa heads the G20, an intergovernmental forum comprising 19 sovereign countries, the European Union, and the African Union, while Brazil’s Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva chairs BRICS+, an association made of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa with four new members and 13 partner states in a category mostly from developing countries.
How Cuba joining BRICS could change global politics
Cuba’s possible inclusion in BRICS could bring major economic and political changes. It would impact trade, alliances, and power balances in Latin America and beyond. While it might help Cuba’s economy and strengthen BRICS, it could also create new challenges.
Brazil’s economic shift: BRICS gains ground in production goods
A new study by economist Renato Baumann from Brazil’s Institute for Applied Economic Research (IPEA) reveals a significant change in the country’s economic landscape.
BRICS to play ‘key role’ in world future: Iran’s envoy
Iran’s Ambassador to Moscow Kazem Jalali says de-dollarisation is a key focus of the BRICS agenda in the near future.
