https://www.belfercenter.org/research-analysis/brics-shared-discontent
The 16th BRICS Summit, which took place in the Russian city of Kazan, proved to be a symbolic diplomatic victory for Vladimir Putin. It showcased that the West’s efforts to isolate Russia have failed to resonate with much of the Global South, where Western sanctions against Moscow are widely criticized, and where many countries are engaging in hedging strategies in the midst of growing political tensions between the West on the one side and Russia and China on the other.
This was the first summit after the bloc’s decision, made last year, to expand and invite new members. In addition to the founding members of Brazil, Russia, India and China, and South Africa, which joined in 2010, the grouping now includes Ethiopia, Egypt, Iran and the United Arab Emirates. The list of participants in this week’s summit also featured leaders from pro-Putin regimes like Venezuela and Belarus, but also included a noteworthy appearance by Turkey’s President Erdogan. Erdogan is pursuing a multi-alignment strategy, balancing Turkey’s NATO membership….
