NAIROBI, July 17 – Following its expansion at the beginning of this year, BRICS is increasing its appeal to developing nations, which analysts said reflects the common desire of the Global South to build a more just and equitable world order against Western dominance, China Daily Global reported.
Last month, Zimbabwe announced its interest in joining the BRICS grouping for an opportunity to access new markets and investment opportunities as well as grow its economy.
Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, the country’s defense minister, made the announcement at the “World Majority for a Multipolar World “international inter-party forum with BRICS and partner countries held in Russia.
She said Zimbabwe has a strong conviction in BRICS’ potential to counterbalance the dominance of Western powers, by challenging their unilateral decision-making and promoting a more balanced global landscape, as quoted by Zimbabwe’s The Herald newspaper.
Cavince Adhere, a Kenyan expert on international relations, said BRICS formation provides Zimbabwe with a family that respects its own unique internal conditions but at the same time allows it to play on the global stage.
In addition, by joining BRICS, Zimbabwe will be provided with alternative markets for its natural resources, as the country is unable to do business with Western countries due to sanctions, he said.
“Zimbabwe has to seek new territories and friendly countries to work with and I think BRICS provides that framework for the country to engage,” he said.
Just like Zimbabwe, some other developing countries have expressed interest in joining BRICS recently. In January, the grouping welcomed five more countries, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Iran and Ethiopia, expanding to a 10-member organization.
Paul Frimpong, founder and executive director of the Africa-China Centre for Policy and Advisory, said more than 40 countries have expressed interest in joining BRICS, indicating the attractiveness of the bloc.
“BRICS attracts a diverse group of potential members because of its primary-driven shared desire to create a more equitable global landscape that many countries believe is currently biased against them,” he said.
Frimpong said the BRICS countries’ push to represent a collective voice for the Global South in international forums like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, or IMF, is one of the reasons countries are interested in joining the bloc.
He said BRICS offers a chance for member countries to have a greater influence on global issues and policies as well as push back on the West’s economic dominance.
The grouping’s emphasis on a multipolar world, an international system that better advances emerging market country and developing country interests appeals to nations desiring a more balanced global order, he said.
This is in addition to establishing alternative financial institutions like the New Development Bank to provide financial support to member countries, offering an alternative to the IMF and the World Bank, which are traditionally dominated by Western nations.
