BRICS summit in Rio: XI and Putin are missing-opportunities for the global south!

BRICS summit in Rio: XI and Putin are missing-opportunities for the global south!

Rio de Janeiro, Brasilien - The Brics summit, which takes place on July 6 and 7, 2025 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is led by Brazil and is characterized by important global topics such as health policy, artificial intelligence (AI) and climate change. At this meeting, the absence of two central leaders remains remarkable: China's President Xi Jinping and Russia's President Vladimir Putin do not personally take part. While XI is represented by Prime Minister Li Qiang, Putin remains at home for an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court due to his war of aggression against Ukraine. Brazil as the signatories of the Roman statute would have to theoretically enforce the arrest warrant, which represents a diplomatic challenge that may influence the dynamics of the summit.

Brics, an association of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, has expanded significantly in recent years. In 2024 Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates of the group included. Indonesia is now added to the summit 2025. This extension is increasingly positioning Brics as a forum for the global south and as a counterweight to the G-7, the alliance of leading western economic powers. The BRICS countries now represent around 48.5% of the world's population, 36% of the global land space and 24% of global economic output, which gives their role in global politics.

geopolitical implications

In recent years, BRICS countries have strengthened their political dialogue and established themselves as a platform for the challenge of western liberal order. The focus is on cooperation on foreign policy issues and multilateral partnerships. China and Russia in particular are committed to multipolar world order to counteract western influence. These endeavors are underpinned by discussions about regional conflicts, such as the Ukraine conflict and tensions in the Middle East.

Putin sees the summit a chance to demonstrate the failed efforts of the United States for the isolation of Russia. He plans around 20 bilateral meetings to consolidate economic and financial relationships. These meetings could play an important role in the future design of international relationships, especially with regard to alternative payment systems that are supposed to circulate western sanctions.

The role of Brics in the global south

Brics is increasingly positioning itself as a mouthpiece for the global south and demands reforms of international institutions such as the IMF and the World Bank to better serve aspiring economies. The focus on economic cooperation, for example through joint infrastructure projects and the expansion of trade in local currencies, is a central concern. In addition, cooperation in security -relevant questions, including combating terrorism and cybercrime, is intensified.

The Brics countries face the challenge of making uniform decisions despite various national interests. The continuing negotiations at the ministerial level and during the summit are crucial for the future stability and effectiveness of the group, especially in view of their expanded number of membership.

The upcoming summit in Rio de Janeiro will again question the global balance of power and could have far -reaching effects on international cooperation and the geopolitical landscape. Brics makes it clear that it is not only about economic issues, but also a voice for those countries that are often underrepresented in global discourse.

For participating in the summit, the interest of other countries is signaled in membership, which underlines the ongoing development of BRICS as a global actor. The summit is considered a key event to redefine the direction of this emerging group and to evaluate their effects on the international community.

For more information on the developments and background history of the Brics summit, click on the following links: vienna.at , Al Jazera , Perspective abroad .