President Vladimir Putin hosted a Brics summit attended by 36 world leaders, showcasing Russia’s attempt to counter Western isolation following the Ukraine conflict. The summit included bilateral meetings with China and India, underscoring the coalition’s aim to challenge the dominance of the dollar and promote economic cooperation. Analysts suggest the gathering enhances Putin’s international standing despite the complexities of member nation ideologies.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has hosted a significant summit for 36 world leaders, including key figures from China, India, and Iran, as part of the Brics group, which aims to project Moscow as a burgeoning hub of international cooperation despite its isolation from the West. This three-day meeting marks the largest international gathering Putin has convened since the commencement of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. During this summit, President Putin is expected to hold one-on-one discussions with leaders such as Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with 15 other bilateral meetings. The Brics conference serves to position its members as a representative of the global majority, seeking to challenge the dominance of Western economies and the ubiquity of the US dollar, which is perceived as a tool for American geopolitical influence through sanctions. The Iranian President, Masoud Pezeshkian, articulated the group’s aspirations: “Brics can be a way out of American totalitarianism and create a path of multilateralism. Brics can be a solution to deal with the dominance of the dollar and deal with the economic sanctions of countries.” As countries like Turkey and Saudi Arabia express interest in joining this expanding coalition, questions remain about ideological concordance among members. While some nations, like India and Brazil, retain a nuanced stance towards dollar dominance, Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva emphasized that Brics is “not against anyone.” Despite anti-Western rhetoric during the summit, differences in priorities may challenge the group’s cohesion. Analysts note that the summit could bolster Putin’s image on the world stage, as Alex Gabuev from the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Centre remarked, “the message of the gathering will be: not only is Russia far from being an international pariah but also is now a pivotal member of a dynamic group that will shape the future of the international order.” Previous summits have seen divisions emerge among members since Russia’s actions in Ukraine, with differing responses influencing the cohesiveness of the bloc. The primary focus of the Brics+ coalition is not on security but rather on establishing economic and technological platforms that can withstand US pressure and sanctions, aiming to internationalize currencies like the yuan while increasing their global influence.
The article discusses the recent Brics summit held in Russia, which featured the participation of 36 global leaders amidst the ongoing geopolitical tensions surrounding Russia’s actions in Ukraine. The summit’s aim is to illustrate a cohesive front against Western dominance, particularly against the influence of the US dollar. The expansion of Brics and the differing perspectives of its members reveal the complexities of international relations in the current political climate. The backdrop includes Russia’s condemnation by the West following its invasion of Ukraine, resulting in sanctions and significant international isolation. The summit represents Russia’s endeavor to reintegrate itself into global discussions with allied nations who share similar economic and political aspirations.
In conclusion, the Brics summit signifies a pivotal moment for Russia in its efforts to counteract Western isolation and present itself as a key player in reshaping the global economic order. With a gathered coalition of diverse nations, the summit emphasizes collaboration among countries seeking alternatives to the US dollar’s dominance. While the aims of Brics may resonate with many of its members, the differences in ideological perspectives could present challenges for long-term unity. As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, the outcomes of this summit may have significant implications for international diplomacy and economic strategies moving forward.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
