The world is evolving and not anymore is power held in the hands of a single or two nations. Most countries today are becoming powerful and collaborating. It is referred to as a multipolar world; with power being distributed more fairly among a few states. One of these elements is the BRICS which consists of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
They are fast-developing countries with the large number of population and democratic voices. BRICS is now a significant force in world matters, advocating more egalitarian trade, more equitable treatment, and improved decision-making. Here is what this guide is all about; we get to know what is BRICS, how it functions and why it matters in the changing world.
What Is BRICS?
BRICS is a group made up of five big countries:
- B – Brazil
- R – Russia
- I – India
- C – China
- S – South Africa
These nations belong to various regions of the world. They are all large in population, size of land and economy. These two combined consume more than 40 percent of the global population or about 25 percent of the global economy. BRICS was established to enhance peace, trade, and development within the member countries. It also wants to change the way world power works, so it is fairer for all.
When Did BRICS Start?
The idea of BRICS began in 2001 when Jim O’Neill, a banker, used the word “BRIC” to describe four fast-growing countries; Brazil, Russia, India, and China. He believed these nations would become powerful in the future. In 2009, the four countries held their first official meeting. A year later, in 2010, South Africa joined, and the group became BRICS.
Since, BRICS countries have been gathering and discussing world problems annually such as money, health, education, employment and security. They collaborate in the effort to make the world gentler, in which more nations can speak and become more powerful in unity.
Why Is BRICS Important?
It gives a voice to developing countries.
In the past, rich countries like the USA and some European nations made most global decisions. BRICS wants to change that by giving more power to rising countries.
It challenges unfair global rules.
BRICS believes that rules made by a few countries may not help the rest. It wants to build a fair system where every country gets a say.
It helps each other grow.
BRICS countries work together to help each other in trade, technology, health, and more.
Role of BRICS?
BRICS has started many big projects to support its goals. Here are a few:
New Development Bank (NDB)
In 2014, BRICS established a bank of their own. This bank is able to loan BRICS countries to finance important projects that include: road construction, schools, hospitals, and clean energy.
The bank aids developing nations to develop without the necessity to rely solely on the World Bank or the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Sharing Science and Technology
BRICS countries exchange new ideas and cooperate in such directions as space, medicine and green energy. With Science they desire to develop a superior future.
Education and Culture
BRICS also supports student exchange, language learning, and cultural programs. This helps people in these countries understand and trust each other more.
What Is a Multipolar World?
Before, we had a unipolar world where one country (like the USA) had the most power. Then came a bipolar world, where two powers (USA and USSR) shared power.
Now, we are entering a multipolar world. This means:
- Many countries are strong.
- No single country can decide everything.
- Power is spread out more evenly.
In this new world, cooperation is more important than ever.
BRICS and Multipolarity: How Are They Connected?
BRICS plays a key role in creating this multipolar world. Let’s see how:
Speaking Up for the Global South
The Global South means developing countries in Asia, Africa, and South America. BRICS speaks up for these countries and raises their concerns on the world stage.
Changing Global Finance
Most world financial systems are led by the West. BRICS is creating new systems like the NDB, and even talking about using their own currencies instead of the US dollar. This helps make global finance more balanced.
Fighting Climate Change Together
BRICS countries work on climate-friendly projects. They want to grow their economies but also protect the environment. By working together, they show that development and sustainability can go hand in hand.
BRICS Expansion: What’s Next?
The leaders of BRICS members met in 2023, and discussed the potential expansion of the group. This implies they desire to have more countries to join BRICS. Nations such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iran, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Ethiopia as well as Argentina also expressed interest in joining the team. These nations are rapidly expanding too and desire to collaborate with BRICS.
That indicates the increased number of countries that are confident in BRICS and hope that it will make the world a better place. They desire to become part of this powerful group to command a larger voice in global issues such as trade, peace and development. This will make BRICS stronger and also more powerful in case it will admit new members in the future. A larger BRICS would enable more Nations to collaborate and influence the world positively.
BRICS vs Western Powers
BRICS is not trying to fight or go against Western countries like the USA or European nations. Instead, BRICS wants to bring more balance to the world. Right now, many big decisions are made by just a few rich countries. BRICS believes this is not fair.
BRICS wants to:
- Balance world power so that no one group controls everything.
- Create fair systems that help all countries, not just the rich ones.
- Let more countries speak up and share their ideas in global meetings.
The group thinks that every country should have a voice, no matter how rich or small it is. BRICS believes that the world works best when everyone gets a chance to take part in big decisions that affect the whole planet. It’s about fairness, not fighting.
BRICS in Numbers (As of 2025)
Here are some facts:
- The number of people in this group is more than 3 billion or 40 percent of the total world population or approximately 4 people in every 10.
- BRICS countries contribute about 25 percent of the global GDP, displaying their large role in the global economy.
- These nations are responsible of supplying over 40 percent of the oil in the world, which is used in driving vehicles, homes and industries across the globe.
- BRICS carry out a lot of trade in the world and trade in many goods with one another and with other nations.
These facts show that BRICS is already a major and powerful group in the world.
BRICS Goals for the Future
There are a number of future aims within BRICS. A major objective is to develop a stronger economy among all member nations, so that people lead better lives. BRICS also desires to rely less on the western systems including banks and trade regulations where each of the countries would have control.
The group is fighting to resolve conflicts without violence and thereby enhancing the health, education, and employment opportunities of all people. The other large ambition is to combat the changing climate through clean energy like solar and wind. BRICS is also paying attention to digital payments, online security, and ensuring that people have sufficient food. The objectives are to establish a just and better safe world.
Challenges Ahead for BRICS
Like all big groups, BRICS also has some challenges:
- Different cultures and views
- Language barriers
- Unequal development levels
- Economic competition between members
- Different views on global politics
Still, by talking openly and solving issues together, BRICS can continue to grow stronger.
Final Words
The world is changing fast. It is no longer controlled by just one or two superpowers. Many voices are now being heard. BRICS is one of those voices.
BRICS has solid economy, smart people, common values, therefore it contributes to the creation of a better, fairer and multipolar world.
In the future, BRICS is likely to continue to have even a greater influence on defining peace, commerce and development on the earth.
Article by Rachna