The geopolitical landscape is shifting, and nowhere is this more evident than in the rapidly expanding BRICS bloc. Over the past few years, BRICS—an alliance of emerging economies originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—has grown to represent nearly half of the world’s population and about 40% of global GDP. With its most recent expansions and a new wave of applicants vying for entry, the group is increasingly positioning itself as a counterweight to Western-led institutions and a champion of the Global South.
On September 27, 2025, the Foreign Ministers of BRICS nations gathered on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Their message was clear and unified: they intend to stand together against “coercion that threatens to further reduce global trade, disrupt global supply chains, or introduce uncertainty into international economic and trade activities,” as reported by IANS. This declaration comes after years of mounting pressure from the United States, with President Donald Trump repeatedly targeting the bloc with tariffs and critical rhetoric. Ironically, these attacks seem to have drawn the BRICS nations closer together, rather than pulling them apart.
BRICS has undergone significant transformation since its inception. The term “BRIC” was first coined by Goldman Sachs in 2001, predicting that these four economies would soon dominate the global stage. South Africa joined in 2010, expanding the acronym to BRICS. The bloc’s growth didn’t stop there. In January 2024, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates were admitted as full members. Indonesia followed suit in 2025, and a host of other nations—including Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan—were welcomed as partner countries. This expansion has not only boosted BRICS’ economic clout but also its political influence, making it a formidable force in global affairs.
Recent developments have further underscored BRICS’ evolving role. According to a J.P. Morgan study from July 2025, the trend of “de-dollarisation” is becoming increasingly visible, particularly in commodity markets. Russian oil, for example, is now often traded in local currencies or those of countries deemed friendly by Moscow. India, China, and Turkey have all either adopted or are exploring alternatives to the US dollar for their transactions. While the greenback remains dominant—accounting for nearly 90% of global transactions and about 59% of foreign exchange reserves, as noted by economists associated with the IMF—the shift is notable. Still, many experts caution that the threat to the dollar’s supremacy is distant, with its role as the world’s preeminent reserve currency remaining largely intact, at least for now.
Meanwhile, the BRICS Foreign Ministers have not shied away from taking bold political stances. They recently expressed “strong support” for Ethiopia and Iran’s bids for accession to the World Trade Organization, and condemned “the military strikes against the Islamic Republic of Iran since 13 June 2025,” as reported by IANS. These moves underscore the bloc’s willingness to challenge Western positions on key global issues, further solidifying its identity as a champion of the Global South.
Perhaps the most significant recent development is China’s official endorsement of Palestine’s bid to join BRICS. On September 25, 2025, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun stated in Beijing, “The BRICS bloc remains open to the participation of like-minded partners in its cooperation process, and we welcome Palestine’s involvement in dialogue mechanisms, so that we can advance together toward a more just and equitable global system.” This announcement came just days after the Palestinian National Authority, represented by Ambassador Abdel Hafiz Nofal in Moscow, formally submitted its application for membership.
China’s support for Palestine’s integration into BRICS is more than a diplomatic gesture—it represents a strategic move in the broader contest between East and West. By advocating for Palestine’s inclusion, China is not only expressing solidarity with the Palestinian cause but also reinforcing its leadership in the Global South and challenging Western hegemony. Analysts cited by various sources note that this aligns with Beijing’s efforts to build influence in regions where energy, commercial, and diplomatic interests converge.
BRICS’ openness to new members is not without precedent. The bloc has repeatedly demonstrated its willingness to expand, as seen with the recent admissions of Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia. With each new member, BRICS consolidates its position as an alternative pillar of economic, political, and diplomatic power—one that often stands in contrast to the United States and the European Union. In fact, the group now controls more than 40% of global crude oil production, underscoring its growing significance in the world’s energy markets.
For Palestine, the prospect of joining BRICS—initially as an observer or invited country, as suggested by China—represents a “fundamental strategic step for the Palestinian cause to gain weight in multilateral forums and in the development of South-South alliances,” according to statements from Ramallah. The move comes amid ongoing violence in Gaza and the West Bank and a renewed diplomatic push by the Palestinian Authority to secure broader international recognition, particularly in venues where Western veto power is less decisive.
The final decision on Palestine’s acceptance into BRICS rests with the bloc’s existing members, including Brazil, India, South Africa, Russia, and the newest additions. As with previous expansions, consensus among the group will be essential. This process could ultimately reshape the architecture of Palestinian international representation and provide new avenues for economic, political, and diplomatic development under the BRICS umbrella.
Amidst these sweeping changes, the United States is watching closely. A recent article by Chatham House observed, “Washington is using Brazil to send a warning to other countries – particularly other BRICS countries like South Africa and India – on issues such as controlling digital communications, using alternative currencies to the US dollar in trade transactions, and relations with China.” The White House views BRICS as a direct challenge to its global dominance, and the bloc’s continued growth is likely to fuel further tensions.
Despite the challenges and uncertainties, one thing is clear: BRICS is no longer just an economic club. It has become a dynamic and influential alliance, reshaping the global order in ways that were almost unimaginable just a decade ago. Whether it can maintain unity amid such diversity remains to be seen, but for now, its momentum is undeniable—and the world is taking notice.
As the BRICS bloc continues to expand and assert its influence, the balance of power in international relations is shifting. With new members, bold political moves, and a growing willingness to challenge the status quo, BRICS is carving out a new path for the Global South and redefining what it means to be a major player on the world stage.
