The BRICS Awakening Kazan 2024 E-Book

Hermann Selchow

• Herausgeber: tredition
• Kategorie: Fachliteratur
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2024

Seitenzahl: 150

Beschreibung

The BRICS Awakening Kazan 2024 - New Developments and Western Reactions In the context of the current geopolitical upheavals and economic realignments, the book *"The BRICS Awakening Kazan 2024 - New Developments and Western Reactions"* presents up-to-date, in-depth insights into the growing importance of the BRICS alliance (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) on the world stage. The chapters examine step by step the BRICS meeting in Kazan 2024 as a key moment that sets the strategic course for a multipolar world order. Why should you read this book? Learn how the BRICS countries are intensifying their economic and political cooperation and forming a real alternative to the Western-dominated world order. Discover how the BRICS Bank, plans for de-dollarization and a possible new BRICS currency could fundamentally change global trade. See how the West is responding to these challenges and what these developments mean for geopolitical stability. Who is this book for? Whether you are an economic expert, student, journalist or simply interested in politics - the BRICS Departure to Kazan 2024 offers you a deep understanding and a new perspective on one of the most dynamic geopolitical developments of our time. The author guides readers through the key developments that are shaping this alliance and sheds light on how this cooperation will have a lasting impact not only on globalization but also on the role of the West. "The BRICS Departure Kazan 2024" covers the economic, political and social dimensions of this dynamic process and analyzes the reactions of Western states to the realignment of power and trade structures. This book is aimed at those interested in politics, economic experts and all readers who want to gain a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges of a new world order. With well-founded analyses and a look into the future, this work offers an indispensable basis for all those who want to understand and help shape the global changes of our time. Hermann Selchow

Leseprobe

The BRICS Awakening Kazan 2024

New Developments and Western Reactions

© 2024 Hermann Selchow

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Das Werk, einschließlich seiner Teile, ist urheberrechtlich geschützt. Für die Inhalte ist der Autor verantwortlich. Jede Verwertung ist ohne seine Zustimmung unzulässig. Die Publikation und Verbreitung erfolgen im Auftrag des Autors, zu erreichen unter: tredition GmbH, Abteilung "Impressumservice", Heinz-Beusen-Stieg 5, 22926 Ahrensburg, Deutschland

The BRICS Awakening Kazan 2024

New Developments and Western Reactions

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Introduction to BRICS: Origins and Development

The rise of BRICS on the global stage

New initiatives within the BRICS countries

Trade and investment strategies in the BRICS nations

The Role of BRICS in Global Security and Defense

BRICS energy policy: oil, gas and renewable energies

New Financial Institutions of BRICS: Banks and Reserves

Western Reactions to BRICS Initiatives

BRICS and the Global South: Partnerships and Influence

Challenges and Criticism of BRICS - Western Perspective

The Future of BRICS: Trends, Opportunities

Also published by me:

Introduction to BRICS: Origins and Development

The history of BRICS began as a concept that would evolve into one of the most influential alliances in the modern geopolitical environment. Originally, the term "BRIC" was introduced as an economic category in 2001 by Goldman Sachs economist Jim O'Neill to describe the emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India and China. These countries, all possessing great potential due to their rapid growth, large populations and valuable natural resources, were expected to challenge established Western economies in the coming decades. In 2010, South Africa joined the group, leading to the expansion to "BRICS" and transforming the alliance into a formal entity with shared economic, social and political goals.

BRICS arose from the need to address common challenges: the dominance of Western financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, unequal representation in international organizations and the desire to promote a multipolar world order. At the beginning, each member faced its own economic problems but shared a desire for greater influence on a global level. BRICS is often viewed with skepticism, especially in the West, because it combines cultures, political systems and historical backgrounds. But as the group has evolved, it not only reflects the changing balance of power in international relations, but also raises questions about the long-term sustainability of Western dominance.

The BRICS group of countries, consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, represents a fascinating chapter in modern international relations and economic development. The idea that emerging economies could join together to form a strategic alliance has forever changed 21st century geopolitics. Originally described in 2001 as a theoretical formation of countries with high growth potential, BRICS is now a real and influential body that is increasingly shaping international politics and economics. The following chapters of this book aim to provide a deeper insight into the origins, progress and developments that made BRICS what it is today.

The first idea that certain emerging economies could play a unique role in the global economy was coined by then-Chief Economist of Goldman Sachs, Jim O'Neill. In 2001, he coined the term "BRIC" and grouped Brazil, Russia, India and China together as countries with high growth projections and great economic influence. At the time, this categorization was purely economic in nature. O'Neill found that the four countries would make a significant contribution to global GDP growth over the next few decades due to their economic size, growth and role in the global economy. Although the BRIC countries differed in their political systems, cultures and stages of development, they had commonalities that made them ideal for a common economic alliance.

Since the 1990s, the economic and political environment in these countries had already changed significantly. Brazil developed into a stable democratic state with a dynamic economy. Russia experienced strong growth after the political transformation and economic crises of the 1990s, mainly through the export of raw materials. India and China also underwent economic reforms that enabled them to compete on the world market and attract international investment. These developments laid the foundation for the idea that the BRIC countries could represent an alternative to the established industrialized countries.

In 2009, the heads of state of the four countries met in Yekaterinburg, Russia, and held the first BRIC summit. The fact that these states no longer saw themselves as economic constructs, but as an actual political alliance, was a significant step in international politics. At this meeting, the first common interests and goals were defined, including the demand for a fairer world order that would take greater account of the interests of emerging and developing countries. The BRIC countries also called for reform of international financial institutions, particularly the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, to enable them to provide greater representation of emerging economies.

The first BRIC meeting thus marked the group's transition from a theoretical concept to a concrete political forum. This was a turning point, as the BRIC countries now wanted to be actively involved in shaping global governance. In particular, the focus on a fairer world economic order showed that the BRIC countries saw themselves not only as economic players, but also as political actors.

In 2010, South Africa was officially admitted to the group and the name changed to BRICS. South Africa was seen as a strategically important partner for the alliance as it served as a gateway to the markets of the African continent and had an established economy and a stable political system. The expansion to BRICS symbolized the group's claim to represent the interests of emerging and developing countries on all continents. With the admission of South Africa, BRICS also gained greater legitimacy as a global alliance that advocates for the concerns of the countries of the global South.

However, the admission of South Africa to the group was not just a symbolic gesture, it also changed the economic and political dynamics within BRICS. South Africa brought its own experiences and challenges, particularly in terms of economic inequality and social transformation. The integration of South Africa also highlighted the focus of the BRICS states on cooperation in the field of development finance and on supporting infrastructure projects in Africa. The alliance thus sent a clear signal that it wanted to be a platform for exchange and cooperation between emerging countries.

Since its founding as a political alliance, BRICS has gained a unique influence on international politics. The group has established itself as an alternative to Western-dominated institutions and strives for a multipolar world order in which several powers can act on an equal footing. In economic policy, BRICS is committed to reforming the global financial architecture and calls for a fairer distribution of voting rights within institutions such as the IMF and the World Bank. The BRICS states are also trying to strengthen their position on trade issues and reduce barriers that could hinder their economic development.

An important goal of the BRICS group is to promote economic cooperation between member countries. This includes, among other things, investments in joint infrastructure projects and the promotion of trade relations. One example of this is the New Development Bank (NDB), which was founded in 2014 and finances infrastructure and sustainable development projects in the BRICS countries. This bank is seen as an alternative to the World Bank and represents an important instrument for the economic independence of the BRICS countries.

BRICS has also established itself as an important voice for the development interests of the countries of the global south. The group is committed to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and supports measures to combat poverty, promote education and health, and protect the environment. In particular, promoting sustainable development is a common goal that all BRICS countries share. By building partnerships and supporting projects in developing countries, BRICS aims to reduce dependence on Western donors and institutions and wants to develop its own solutions to global challenges.

However, development cooperation among the BRICS countries goes beyond financial support. The group has also created knowledge-sharing and experience-sharing mechanisms that allow countries to learn from each other and develop innovative approaches to their specific challenges. These collaborations cover areas such as technology, agriculture and healthcare, strengthening ties between the BRICS countries on a profound and lasting level.

Although BRICS has achieved significant successes, the group also faces a multitude of challenges. Economic and political differences among member countries are large, and there are tensions that could make cooperation difficult. The relationship between China and India in particular is marked by geopolitical conflicts that repeatedly cause tensions within the alliance. The economic interests of the BRICS countries also do not always coincide, making it difficult to formulate joint strategies.

Another obstacle to the development of BRICS as a unified force is the issue of internal organization and decision-making. So far, the group operates without formal institutions or a permanent secretariat location, which slows down the coordination and implementation of joint projects. Nevertheless, BRICS remains a dynamic and versatile alliance that will continue to play an important role in international politics in the future.

The BRICS countries pursue a variety of strategies to implement their goals on the international stage. A central concern of the group is to strengthen economic relations between members by reducing trade and investment barriers and opening up new markets. By creating common trading platforms and financing mechanisms, BRICS aims to create economic connectivity that enables countries to reduce their economic dependence on Western markets. Bilateral trade between BRICS members has steadily increased since the group was founded, helping to diversify economic structures and strengthen interdependence.

An important step in the structure of BRICS cooperation was the establishment of the New Development Bank (NDB) in 2014. This bank represents an alternative to established financial institutions such as the World Bank and the IMF and enables the BRICS countries to be more independent in financing their infrastructure and development projects. The NDB finances projects that promote sustainable development and green technologies and thus strengthen the economic resilience of the BRICS countries. The bank pursues transparent and fair lending practices that are intended to meet the specific needs of emerging countries.

In addition to the NDB, the BRICS countries have launched the so-called Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA). This emergency fund with a volume of 100 billion dollars was created to provide members with stabilization assistance in times of financial instability. The CRA represents a kind of common safety net that gives the BRICS countries economic flexibility and room for maneuver in times of crisis. The CRA offers important support for members, particularly in the event of global financial crises or currency fluctuations, and emphasizes the aspect of solidarity within the group.

In addition to economic cooperation, BRICS has also launched numerous initiatives in the field of research and innovation. The BRICS countries have created a joint research network that connects scientists, research institutions and universities in the member countries. This cooperation promotes the exchange of knowledge and technology and helps countries to develop innovative solutions to their economic and social challenges. For example, there is intensive cooperation in the areas of renewable energy, medical research and information technology in order to strengthen the research capacities of each country and address global challenges.

An example of cooperation in the field of innovation is the BRICS Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Framework Program, which supports joint research projects in key areas such as agriculture, water resources and digitalization. These initiatives aim to drive technological progress in the member countries while promoting technology transfer. The program takes into account the specific needs and stages of development of the BRICS countries, enabling tailor-made cooperation that strengthens all members.

BRICS has also developed further in political and cultural cooperation, emphasizing that exchange between member countries goes beyond economic interests. In recent years, programs to promote cultural understanding and exchange between populations have increasingly been initiated. Festivals, art exhibitions and educational programs promote intercultural dialogue, which is intended to strengthen mutual understanding and trust in the long term. For example, the BRICS Film Festival took place, where films from member countries are presented to celebrate the cultural diversity and creativity of the BRICS states.

There are also numerous cooperations in the field of education. The BRICS Network University is an educational project that aims to give students and researchers the opportunity to network across national borders. Students have the chance to complete parts of their education in another BRICS state and thus gain insights into different educational systems and cultural backgrounds. This not only promotes academic exchange, but also supports the development of a common BRICS sense of identity based on mutual respect and understanding.

Despite the success of recent years, the future of BRICS remains marked by uncertainties and challenges. A key challenge is the question of coherence within the group. The BRICS countries differ in many ways - from their political systems to their economic structures to their national interests and priorities. These differences occasionally lead to disagreements that could affect the effectiveness of the group. For example, there are geopolitical tensions between India and China that at times pose strategic challenges to the entire group.

Nevertheless, the BRICS countries remain committed to continuing their cooperation and pursuing their common interests. One possible way to overcome these challenges is to further develop the institutional structure of BRICS. So far, the group operates without a fixed administrative structure, which makes coordination difficult. Greater institutionalization could help speed up decision-making processes and facilitate the implementation of joint projects. At the same time, the flexibility of BRICS remains an important advantage, as it allows the group to respond quickly to changes in international politics.

A long-term goal of the BRICS states is to promote a multipolar world order in which not only Western states dominate global decision-making processes. Through their cooperation, the BRICS states are trying to reshape the balance of power in international politics and strengthen the influence of emerging countries. They are committed to a fairer world economic order in which the interests of all countries are taken into account, regardless of their economic or political power. The BRICS states are therefore calling for greater representation of emerging and developing countries in international organizations such as the United Nations, the IMF and the World Bank.

The vision of a multipolar world order is also reflected in the foreign policy of the BRICS states. They advocate the principles of sovereignty and non-interference and call for an international policy based on cooperation and dialogue. This attitude clearly distinguishes BRICS from other geopolitical alliances and reflects the common goal of creating an alternative model of international cooperation based on equality and respect for the diversity of national interests.

The rise of BRICS on the global stage

The rise of BRICS symbolizes a shift in the global balance of power. In the early years, BRICS countries focused on developing their domestic economies and addressing social issues. However, with institutionalization through annual summits, members began to set common agendas focused on economic policies, diplomatic initiatives, and development goals. Over time, BRICS has expanded cooperation to areas such as energy, security, and digital technology.

A key milestone was the establishment of the New Development Bank (NDB) in 2014. Created as an alternative to Western financial institutions, it aims to finance infrastructure and sustainable development projects within BRICS and other developing countries. The NDB is designed to provide a counterbalance to the influence of the IMF and World Bank, with its equal governance structure ensuring that no single country dominates decision-making. This chapter examines the rise of BRICS as a collective voice on the global stage and analyzes its success in influencing global financial policy, trade norms, and multilateral negotiations. The chapter will also examine how the BRICS countries are using their resources and technological advances to gain a stronger position in the global hierarchy.

The rise of the BRICS countries - consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - is one of the most remarkable developments in the global political and economic landscape of the 21st century. This alliance, characterized by its dynamic economic development, demographic influence and geopolitical importance, has the potential to shift the balance of power in the world. The alliance was originally founded in the early 2000s as a loose coalition of economically emerging countries. Since then, BRICS has developed into an increasingly influential grouping that is seen in many areas as an alternative to Western-dominated institutions.

The BRICS countries together represent around 40 percent of the world's population and are responsible for over 25 percent of global gross domestic product. This makes the alliance not only a global power from an economic perspective, but also an influential force in political and social terms. The fact that these countries come from different cultures, political systems and geographical regions gives the group a unique dynamic. Their commonalities lie not only in their growing economic power but also in a shared desire to challenge the Western hegemonic system and contribute to a multipolar global system in which the sovereignty and interests of individual nations are respected.

At the heart of the rise of BRICS are several key factors that have emerged over the past decades. First, the economic growth of the BRICS countries, especially that of China, is crucial to their global importance. China has become the world's second largest economy and is massively increasing its economic and political presence in regions such as Africa, Latin America and Asia. Russia, on the other hand, plays a central role in energy policy and security policy and sees itself as one of the pillars of a new, multipolar world system. India, which is making tremendous economic and technological progress with a population of over a billion people, is also increasingly recognized as a strategically important power. Brazil and South Africa bring a strong regional presence in Latin America and Africa to the alliance, which further increases BRICS' global influence.