How America created the adversarial BRICS of today

[UNITED STATES] The emergence of BRICS—an alliance of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—marks a significant shift in global geopolitics. This coalition, initially formed to foster economic cooperation among emerging economies, has increasingly positioned itself as an adversary to the United States. Understanding how America inadvertently contributed to the rise of this bloc requires a deep dive into the historical context of U.S. foreign policy, particularly its economic strategies and the resulting geopolitical dynamics.

The BRICS nations came together in 2009 as a response to what many perceived as the Western-dominated global order. The initial intent was not to oppose the U.S. but rather to provide a platform for developing countries to voice their concerns and aspirations. However, as U.S. foreign policy evolved—especially post-9/11—the dynamics began to shift.

The United States has long wielded its economic power through mechanisms like sanctions and trade tariffs. As noted in an opinion piece from the South China Morning Post, "If Donald Trump is Tariff Man, Joe Biden was Sanctions Man," illustrating how successive administrations have utilized economic coercion against both adversaries and allies alike. This strategy has often backfired, pushing countries towards forming alliances that counterbalance American influence.

Economic Coercion and Its Consequences

America's approach to international relations has increasingly relied on economic sanctions as a tool of foreign policy. After the September 11 attacks, the U.S. discovered its capacity for real-time monitoring of financial transactions, leading to unprecedented sanctions against various nations and entities. This capability has allowed Washington to impose penalties not just on rogue states but also on countries that are perceived as unfriendly or non-compliant with U.S. interests.

This coercive economic strategy has fostered resentment among nations that feel targeted or marginalized by American policies. For instance, countries like Russia and China have found common ground in their opposition to U.S. sanctions, which they view as an infringement on their sovereignty. As these nations band together under the BRICS banner, they seek to create alternative financial systems that reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar—a move that is seen as a direct challenge to American hegemony.

The Shift Towards Multipolarity

The BRICS nations are advocating for a multipolar world where no single nation holds dominance over global affairs. This vision is rooted in their collective desire for greater representation and influence in international decision-making processes. Brazil’s former Foreign Minister Celso Amorim emphasized this sentiment by stating that BRICS aims to "promote a more democratic world order" that includes developing countries in key discussions.

As BRICS solidified its identity, it began to adopt more assertive stances against U.S.-led initiatives. The group's members have increasingly criticized Western policies, particularly those perceived as colonial or hegemonic. Chinese Premier Xi Jinping's remarks during the 2023 BRICS summit underscored this point: he called for "true multilateralism" and condemned "vestiges of colonialism" in global governance.

Internal Dynamics and Challenges

Despite its growing prominence, BRICS is not without internal challenges. The coalition comprises diverse political systems ranging from democracies like India and Brazil to authoritarian regimes like Russia and China. These differences can complicate consensus-building within the group.

Moreover, while there is a shared frustration with U.S. dominance, there are also significant divergences among BRICS members regarding strategic priorities and relationships with other global powers. For instance, India's increasing alignment with the United States through initiatives like the Quad (comprising India, Japan, Australia, and the U.S.) highlights potential fractures within the bloc.

As noted by analysts, "BRICS is a house of cards," suggesting that while it may project strength against Western powers, its internal contradictions could undermine its effectiveness as a cohesive unit.

The Future of BRICS and U.S.-China Relations

Looking ahead, the trajectory of BRICS will likely depend on how its members navigate their relationships with both one another and external powers like the United States and China. The ongoing competition between these two major powers will shape not only bilateral relations but also multilateral dynamics within organizations like BRICS.

The concept of de-dollarization—reducing reliance on the U.S. dollar for international trade—is gaining traction among BRICS nations as they seek alternatives to existing financial systems dominated by Western institutions8. This shift could further entrench divisions between BRICS and traditional Western alliances.

America's historical reliance on economic coercion has inadvertently fueled the formation of an adversarial bloc in BRICS. As these nations continue to assert their interests on the global stage, it will be crucial for Washington to reassess its strategies and engage with these emerging powers constructively rather than confrontationally.