BRICS: A Superpower Bloc or an International Support Group for Misfits?

The BRICS nations—a club of rising powers meant to reshape global order—often resemble an ambitious startup with great branding but no clear product. They meet, they issue grand statements, they talk about de-dollarization—but at the end of the day, they all have different agendas and only a vague sense of shared purpose.

As George Orwell might say, "All BRICS members are equal, but some are more equal than others." China is clearly in the driver’s seat, Russia is the aggressive backseat driver, India is calculating the fastest exit route, Brazil is enjoying the scenic view, and South Africa is just happy to be in the car at all.

And now, with new members on board, that car is starting to look like a packed minivan on a road trip where no one quite agrees on the destination.

1. The OG BRICS: Five Players, Five Agendas

When BRICS was first imagined in 2001 (back when it was just BRIC), it was hailed as the economic future of the world. The idea was simple: Brazil, Russia, India, and China—four rapidly growing economies that would challenge Western dominance.

By 2010, South Africa joined, and the group started looking less like an economic bloc and more like a geopolitical experiment. And much like every group project in school, some members do all the work while others just show up to the meetings.

Brazil: The Sleeping Giant That Hits the Snooze Button

Brazil was supposed to be the Latin American powerhouse, the land of soybeans, oil, and an unstoppable economy. But every time it seems poised for greatness, something—usually politics—drags it down. Between corruption scandals, economic stagnation, and leaders with more plot twists than a Netflix series, Brazil is still trying to figure out if it’s a serious global player or just happy to be invited to the party.

Or as Oscar Wilde might put it: "There are only two tragedies in life: one is not getting what one wants, and the other is getting it."

Russia: The Geopolitical Wild Card

Once the backbone of BRICS, Russia is now more like that friend who keeps getting into fights at the bar. Between sanctions, military adventures, and an economy increasingly dependent on China, Moscow’s position in BRICS is both central and deeply problematic.

On paper, Russia wants a multipolar world where the West doesn’t call the shots. In reality, it’s clinging to BRICS like a life raft in stormy waters. As Winston Churchill famously said: "Russia is never as strong as she looks; Russia is never as weak as she looks."

India: The Reluctant Partner with a Foot in Every Camp

India is playing 4D chess. It’s a member of BRICS, but it’s also working closely with the West. It trades with Russia but is wary of China. It wants to be a global power, but its bureaucracy and infrastructure challenges keep getting in the way.

In many ways, India treats BRICS like a gym membership—it’s useful to have, but it doesn’t always show up to work out.

China: The Unofficial Boss of BRICS, Whether Others Like It or Not

China is the only BRICS country that has truly realized its economic ambitions. While others talk about reshaping global trade, China is doing it. The Belt and Road Initiative, investments in Africa, manufacturing dominance—it’s all part of Beijing’s long-term strategy.

The problem? China’s rise isn’t exactly welcomed by everyone. India sees it as a rival, Russia as a necessary partner, and Brazil as a useful market. As Deng Xiaoping said, "Hide your strength, bide your time." China did just that. Now, it’s ready to lead—if the rest of BRICS lets it.

South Africa: The Token Representative for Africa

South Africa’s inclusion in BRICS was a bit like adding a diversity hire to a boardroom—well-intentioned but ultimately symbolic. Its economy is the smallest of the group, and it struggles with corruption, unemployment, and economic stagnation.

That said, South Africa gives BRICS credibility as a “global” organization rather than just a collection of large Asian, Latin American, and Russian economies. But let’s be honest—when China sneezes, South Africa catches a cold.

2. The New Kids on the BRICS Block: Who Invited These Guys?

In 2024, BRICS expanded, bringing in a mix of strategic players, energy giants, and, well, Iran. Some see this as a sign of BRICS’ growing power. Others wonder if adding more wildly different economies will just make decision-making even harder.

Egypt: The Eternal Land of Potential

Egypt is a fascinating case. It has a massive population, a strong military, and a strategic location. What it doesn’t have is a stable economy. It joined BRICS hoping for investment and trade benefits, but whether it will get them remains unclear.

As Napoleon supposedly said, "Let China sleep, for when she wakes, she will shake the world." The same could be said of Egypt—if it ever truly wakes up.

Ethiopia: The Next China, or Just Wishful Thinking?

Ethiopia has some of the fastest GDP growth in Africa. But internal conflicts, political instability, and developmental hurdles make its BRICS membership feel more aspirational than strategic—at least for now.

Iran: The Sanctions Expert

Iran joining BRICS is a bit like a sanctioned country joining a club that promises an alternative to the West. Oh wait—that’s exactly what happened. With oil wealth but economic isolation, Iran sees BRICS as a chance to trade more freely. The rest of BRICS? They see Iran as… useful, but complicated.

Saudi Arabia & UAE: The Gulf’s Power Players

Saudi Arabia and the UAE joining BRICS signals one thing: Energy politics are changing. They want to hedge their bets between the U.S. and China. Will they actually align with BRICS policies? Unlikely. But they’ll happily make deals.

3. The Future: Power Bloc or Paper Tiger?

The big question: Will BRICS ever be a true counterweight to the West?

The Case for BRICS as a Superpower Bloc

• Together, BRICS+ now accounts for over 45% of the world’s population and a significant chunk of global GDP.

• Moves toward de-dollarization are gaining traction.

• China, Russia, and the Gulf states are reshaping trade patterns.

The Case for BRICS as a Dysfunctional Club

• Internal rivalries (China vs. India, Russia’s declining economy, Saudi-Iran tensions)

• No common currency, and not likely to have one anytime soon

• Different economic models (democracies, autocracies, oil economies, tech giants—all under one umbrella)

Or as Mark Twain put it: "History doesn’t repeat itself, but it often rhymes." BRICS might not fail outright, but without clear direction, it risks becoming just another geopolitical footnote.

For now, BRICS remains a fascinating, often absurd, yet oddly promising experiment—one that might just succeed, if its members ever figure out what they actually want.