BRICS 2025: Expanding Influence and Global Collaboration

Introduction

The BRICS grouping, which initially started with Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has evolved into a dynamic platform for economic collaboration, representing a significant portion of the global economy. With its emphasis on fostering cooperation among emerging and developing nations, BRICS has expanded its scope to include new members and partnerships, enhancing its global reach. As of January 2025, the organization comprises ten member states, including Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE, and Indonesia, reflecting its broadening appeal and strategic diversification.

In addition to current members, numerous countries aspire to join BRICS, attracted by its growing influence in global economic and geopolitical affairs. Nations such as Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Senegal have expressed interest in full membership, while others, including Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Nigeria, have assumed partner status, reflecting a gradual approach toward deeper integration.

This expansion highlights the organization's commitment to inclusivity and its ambition to represent the interests of the Global South while fostering a strong economic growth, investment, environment.

Key Observations:

• The BRICS group and its expanded network are heavily focused on engaging countries from the Global South.
• 80%-89% representation across all categories reflects BRICS' mission to promote inclusion and collaboration among developing and emerging economies.
• This emphasis aligns with BRICS' strategic objectives of fostering equitable global development and amplifying the voice of the Global South on international platforms.

Summary

The BRICS group, with its expanded membership and partnerships as of 2025, underscores its pivotal role in shaping a multipolar global order. Comprising 10 member countries, including key economies from the Global South such as Brazil, India, South Africa, Egypt, and Indonesia, BRICS represents a collective GDP of $33.74 trillion and a population exceeding 4.1 billion. The bloc has emerged as a key driver of global economic growth, trade, and investment, while fostering development and cooperation.

With 86% of the countries across its members, aspiring nations, and partner states classified as part of the Global South, BRICS has positioned itself as a platform to amplify the voices of emerging and developing economies. This is evident in the inclusion of countries like Ethiopia, Bangladesh, Nigeria, and Venezuela, which contribute significant potential to the bloc's economic and geopolitical influence.

The aspiring and partner nations, with a combined GDP of $5.03 trillion and a population of over 1 billion, highlight BRICS' dedication to inclusivity and its commitment to strengthening ties with the Global South. By integrating these nations into its framework, BRICS is fostering greater economic resilience, facilitating trade and investment, and ensuring equitable representation on global platforms.

BRICS' expanding influence reflects its alignment with the aspirations of the Global South, aiming to create a more balanced international system that prioritizes shared growth, development.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is based on publicly available data, projections, and estimates as of January 2025. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the figures and insights may be subject to change as new data becomes available or due to evolving global circumstances. The opinions and analyses presented here are intended for informational purposes only and do not constitute financial, political, or investment advice. Readers are encouraged to consult official sources and professional advisors for specific guidance.

Kjeld Friis Munkholm

Accredited Member of EUCPTID https://www.mission-gov.eu/

www.munkholmconsulting.com

? 2024 Kjeld Friis Munkholm. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the author. transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the author.