How to play chess that enhances global representativeness?, Brazilian scholar: BRICS expansion triggers speculation about countries | BRICS | Brazil
Since its establishment, the BRICS mechanism has actively participated in global governance and promoted sustainable development. For many years, the issue of BRICS expansion has sparked speculation, and many other countries are willing to join the BRICS mechanism, with the potential to contribute to its development. On the occasion of the 15th BRICS Leaders' Meeting held from August 22nd to 24th, BRICS countries need to seize the opportunity, adhere to multilateralism policies, and enhance their development level and strengthen their representation in the world by seeking alternative currency solutions and developing digital technologies.
The concept of the BRICS first appeared in an article by economist Jim O'Neill in 2001. O'Neill believes that China, Brazil, Russia, and India have the potential to shape the future of the world economy because, on the one hand, the economic growth rate of these four countries is accelerating; On the other hand, the four countries have a large population and strong purchasing power to drive their own economic development.
Over the past 20 years, O'Neill's vision has to some extent become a reality, but it is not entirely the same as reality. The development level of various BRICS countries varies, some have achieved remarkable economic progress, while others have performed mediocrely. After South Africa joined, the "BRICS countries" were renamed as "BRICS countries". The 15th BRICS Leaders Meeting in 2023 will be held in South Africa from August 22 to 24.
The world is undergoing drastic changes, mainly due to the emergence of new global challenges: conflicting parties are unwilling to use peaceful means to resolve conflicts, people lack objective attitudes towards harmonious coexistence between humans and nature, and technological revolution has brought significant impacts to traditional products, services, and processes. In this context, it is necessary for BRICS countries and other similar mechanisms to develop new governance guidelines and take action to adapt to the current global modernization process.
The only feasible way to solve global security issues is through peaceful means, only in this way can we ensure the integrity of the Earth on which we rely for survival. The global security initiative proposed by China has made significant contributions to this.
According to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute in Sweden, world military spending increased by 3.7% in real terms in 2022, reaching a record high of $2.24 trillion. Global military spending has been increasing year by year since 2015, with a 19% increase in the decade from 2013 to 2022. The arms race led by some major powers is not conducive to world peace, only pacifist policies can create a better future for humanity around the world. If the amount required to maintain national sovereignty is deducted from the total military expenditure and the remaining funds are invested in reducing major global social issues, the future of the world may be even better.
The issue of social inequality is also a serious global challenge that urgently requires urgent attention from all countries. Global modernization is directly related to providing better living conditions for the world's population. However, in recent decades, the phenomenon of socio-economic inequality has increased instead of decreasing. Therefore, improving the living conditions of all inhabitants on Earth, regardless of their gender, skin color, religion, or any other attributes, is crucial for the future of humanity.
Rebuilding a harmonious relationship between humans and nature is another major global challenge that has an impact on countries at different levels of development. In recent years, we have observed significant changes in climate and environment, which to some extent reflects the current erroneous environmental protection policies. The BRICS countries have significant global influence and can take the lead in taking action to prevent and control pollution, restore ecosystem diversity, ensure ecosystem sustainability, and simultaneously take specific measures to achieve established carbon peak and carbon neutrality goals. The positive results of these actions will be an important step towards comprehensive and profound improvement of the environment and response to the biodiversity crisis.
Speculations about the expansion of membership in BRICS countries are increasing every year. In the current global context, this speculation has been confirmed in certain aspects. Undoubtedly, the BRICS mechanism was tailor-made for each founding country at its inception, and therefore the founding countries are most in line with the characteristics and goals of the mechanism. However, after years of development, many other countries also have the potential to make significant contributions to the BRICS mechanism politically and economically.
As is well known, multilateralism is the best way for global development. Developing countries are well aware that the BRICS countries are supporters of this concept and naturally seek to join. Argentina, Ethiopia, Belarus, Bangladesh and other countries have expressed interest in joining the BRICS. In addition, Honduras has expressed its desire to cooperate with the New Development Bank established by the BRICS countries this year, and Egypt has also become a new member of the New Development Bank.
BRICS countries must seek alternative solutions, establish new mechanisms, and minimize the impact of the US dollar on their business activities. Although this process is very complex, it is not infeasible, and the specific path may be to gradually reduce dependence on the US dollar through a single alternative currency, gold, or a basket of currencies. This year, leaders of BRICS countries must make a decision on this issue.
The development and application speed of digital technology will determine the level of development of countries around the world in the coming years. The BRICS countries are all developing countries, and the need to develop digital technology is particularly urgent. To cross the threshold of developed countries, it is necessary to adapt to technological changes faster. Potential shareable technologies must help improve production quality, reduce social inequality, and align the education sector with the digital world.
Although this year's BRICS summit will face significant internal and external challenges, the current political timing is favorable, and BRICS countries can seize this opportunity to expand their representation worldwide.
