Thu Mar 27 09:25:39 UTC 2025: ## BRICS’ Moment: Can Economic Power Translate to Geopolitical Influence?

**London** – The Trump administration’s exclusion of Europe from Ukraine peace talks has exposed deep cracks in the transatlantic alliance, leaving Europe reeling and prompting a reassessment of its security posture. This upheaval, argues senior Indian journalist Syed Zubair Ahmed, presents a unique opportunity for BRICS, a bloc possessing significant economic clout but lacking a cohesive geopolitical strategy.

The unprecedented snub dealt to Europe by the Trump administration, met with shock and outrage across the political spectrum, has highlighted Europe’s over-reliance on the US for security. This vulnerability, coupled with the perceived Western disarray, has thrust BRICS into the spotlight. While the bloc champions a “more just and democratic world order,” its ability to capitalize on this moment remains questionable.

Despite representing 47% of the world’s population and a significant share of global GDP, BRICS has consistently failed to translate its economic power into meaningful geopolitical influence. Ahmed cites several instances where BRICS remained silent or inactive during critical global events, including the Syrian conflict, the expulsion of South Africa’s ambassador from the US, and the Ukraine war. These failures, he argues, paint a picture of a bloc more focused on economic cooperation than decisive global action.

While BRICS boasts initiatives like the New Development Bank and CIPS (a SWIFT alternative), its attempts at de-dollarization have been hesitant and often met with backpedaling. This lack of assertiveness, combined with the internal inconsistencies within the bloc, hinders its ability to challenge the established Western order effectively. The author highlights the contrast between the ambitious rhetoric and the reality of BRICS’ actions.

Although BRICS’ economic strength is projected to grow exponentially, surpassing that of the G7 by 2050, its geopolitical impact remains significantly underdeveloped. Ahmed poses a crucial question: can BRICS transform its economic dominance into genuine political influence? He argues that unless BRICS develops a unified political strategy and actively engages in global conflict resolution, it risks remaining a powerful economic entity with limited geopolitical relevance. The current geopolitical landscape, fractured by transatlantic tensions, presents a crucial test for BRICS, a test it must pass to truly shape the future global order.

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