BRICS and the Evolution of Alliances in the Global South

Abstract

This research examines the role of the BRICS group Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa in global governance, with its recent expansion to include Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Argentina, Egypt, Iran, and Ethiopia. BRICS has emerged as a key platform for the Global South, challenging Western-led institutions like the IMF and World Bank while advocating for a multipolar world order. The central research question explores how BRICS contributes to new alliances and the implications of its expansion for global governance. Using case study, discourse, and comparative analysis, the study finds that BRICS fosters South-South cooperation and provides alternatives to Western financial systems. However, internal divisions, particularly between China and India, limit its ability to present a unified front. The research also highlights BRICS’ role in reshaping multilateralism and the global governance system. The study concludes with recommendations for future research on the long-term impact of BRICS+ expansion and the evolving nature of South-South cooperation in global governance.