In brief
As tensions with the West escalate, Putin's strategy seeks to establish a new global order through emerging economies.
Russia is making significant moves to assert its influence in the face of Western isolation as it prepares to host the latest BRICS summit in Kazan. This group, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has expanded to welcome nations like Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. Following the imposition of extensive sanctions by Western countries after its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, President Vladimir V. Putin is eager to display a formidable coalition of allies from emerging markets to challenge the dominance of the West.The BRICS summit provides a platform for these countries, which together represent nearly half of the world's population and account for more than 35 percent of global economic output when adjusted for purchasing power. Analysts note that this meeting is not only about showcasing economic strength but also an attempt to draw in more countries to form a united front that could reshape global politics. Alexander Gabuev from the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center remarks that this summit symbolizes Putin's resistance to the existing world order, leveraging the current geopolitical strife as an opportunity to push for a new paradigm where Western influence is diluted. The forthcoming discussions at the summit are expected to focus on cooperation among the countries present, addressing mutual interests that could increasingly divert their reliance on traditional Western markets and alliances. As Putin strives to reassert Russia's position on the world stage, the dynamics of the BRICS coalition may further reshape international relations, signaling a potential shift away from Western hegemony.
