BRICS Summit 2024: A Step towards De-westernization and Multilateralism

nasiraijaz October 28, 2024

1 60 4 minutes read

The BRICS summit appears to demonstrate how the western world has been underrepresenting and ignoring the legitimate demands of the third-world countries

By Dr. Pervaiz Ali Mahesar and Raja Hafeez ur Rahman

Recently, the Kazan Summit 2024 in Russia drew the attention of western and eastern scholars around the world. In the backdrop of the evolving situation in the Middle East and its impacts on Asian geopolitics, the 16th BRICS summit (October 22-24, 2024) event was worth watching. The major focus of this summit remained on global politics, economy, security, and human rights, besides fostering peace, intercultural harmony, and improving South-South cooperation.

Considered a watershed in history, this summit appears to shape up the most significant international gatherings of the year owing to the shifting global political and economic landscape. The summit primarily focuses on various critical agendas, including the expansion of BRICS membership, fostering economic cooperation, ensuring financial sustainability, and challenging the traditional Western-dominated global order through “de-westernization.”

It is a well-known fact that BRICS is actually an acronym for Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, consisting of other member states too. Economist Jim O’Neill first conceptualized the group as “BRIC” in 2001. Later, as nations formally united for economic sustainability, conflict resolution, and global south cooperation, they adopted the name BRICS, with South Africa which joined in 2010. The bloc’s core aim is to challenge the global financial systems historically dominated by the U.S. and the West.

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It covered a wide range of issues, from global governance reforms to financial cooperation and climate change. However, a few key agenda items stand out, highlighting the bloc’s evolving role in a multi-polar world and de-westernization. Firstly, the expansion of BRICS membership has sparked interest from countries such as Argentina and Saudi Arabia, potentially enhancing its influence. This expansion would not only bring new political and economic resources to BRICS but also broaden its appeal as a counterbalance to Western-led institutions like the G7.

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Moreover, it is advocating for economic cooperation, which is a cornerstone of the bloc’s mission. BRICS countries wish to reduce their dependence on the U.S. dollar in international trade. Member states have been increasingly trading in their own currencies, as seen in China and Russia’s trade deals, aiming to diminish the dominance of the dollar in global markets. This is part of a broader strategy to insulate BRICS economies from the impact of Western sanctions and economic pressures. Another significant agenda item is sustainability and climate change. BRICS countries, particularly China and India, are investing heavily in renewable energy projects. The bloc aims to enhance cooperation in green energy development, addressing climate change while also reducing their dependence on Western-dominated energy markets.

De-westernization reflects a growing desire among non-Western countries to carve out their own path and reduce their dependency on the West.

Key geopolitical issues, such as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and Palestine, which has strained relations between Russia and Western countries, were also discussed at the recent BRICS summit. Its members are positioning themselves as potential mediators in the conflict, advocating for a peaceful resolution. The summit also pledged to address global food security, especially in Africa, where wars and global inflation have worsened the situation. On the other hand, the BRICS members are striving to strengthen their collaboration in the realm of digital financial systems, as the world becomes increasingly digitalized. It is proposing the creation of a digital currency that could further reduce reliance on the dollar.

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The current situation is leading to a shift towards westernization and multi-polarity within the international system. De-westernization reflects a growing desire among non-Western countries to carve out their own path and reduce their dependency on the West. BRICS nations are formulating strategies to end the dominance of the U.S. dollar in international trade. BRICS nations have been increasingly advocating for trade in local currencies. The establishment of the New Development Bank (NDB) by BRICS is a critical step towards de-westernization. The NDB provides financial assistance to developing countries with fewer political strings attached compared to the IMF and World Bank.

By offering an alternative, BRICS is helping shift the financial power balance away from the West. It is determined to bring about reforms in global governance, particularly in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). The western countries hold disproportionate power, and the bloc members argue that emerging economies should have a greater say in global decision-making. Technologically, China and India are advancing their digital sectors to reduce dependence on Western tech giants like Apple, Google, and Microsoft. By developing their own systems, such as China’s 5G networks and AI capabilities, the group is creating a more balanced technological landscape.

In addition to economic and political de-westernization, BRICS countries are promoting their own media outlets to counter the dominance of Western media. For instance, China’s CGTN and Russia’s RT offer alternative narratives to CNN and the BBC, creating a more diverse global media ecosystem. BRICS promotes increased cooperation among developing countries (Global South). This is offering an alternative to the North-South dynamic traditionally dominated by Western powers.

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They are taking leadership roles in their respective regions; the member states are stepping in to create a more balanced global order that promotes multilateral diplomacy, emphasizing dialogue and cooperation rather than the traditional Western-centric approach in the global system. By collaborating with one another, these nations are strengthening their collective influence and pushing for a new global narrative that acknowledges the history, cultures, and contributions of non-Western countries. Hence, taking the effort to decolonize global perspectives aims to create a more balanced and inclusive world.

Hence, the BRICS summit reflects and endorses what Antonio Gramsci said: “The old world is dying, and the new world struggles to be born.” Heavyweights like China, Russia, and India’s choices and policies will shape the future. The BRICS summit appears to demonstrate how the western world has been underrepresenting and ignoring the legitimate demands of the third-world countries.