BRICS, PIGS, and CIVETS: A Tale of Economic Alliances , Evolution and Missteps

It was in 2010 or maybe in 2011, when the world was recovering from the 2008 collapse and central governments were incentivizing the economies with stimulus packages. China was becoming a powerhouse and emerging markets were on the rise . It was then when a new set of countries under the CIVET? acronym started to gain momentum and global focus . I’ve revisited an article in The Guardian by Kate Allen about them which I strongly recommend?

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2011/nov/20/civets-guide

?It was all promises and nice rosy future to this set of super countries preparing to chew up the world .

The CIVETS countries (Colombia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Egypt, Turkey, and South Africa) were heralded in the 2010s as the next wave of emerging market economies. These nations shared characteristics such as young populations, diversified economies, and potential for rapid growth.

But since then we have seen many changes and the promising hype has vanished or muted . Colombia and ?Vietnam have fulfilled some of their promises, with strong export-driven growth and improved infrastructure attracting foreign investment. Indonesia remains a key player in ASEAN and continues to benefit from its vast natural resources and large consumer market. But they should watch out in order not to commit their own economical suicide by the annihilation of its environment . Egypt has faced political instability and has turned its efforts ?on to becoming part of the BRICS . Its geographic location remains strategically important as it still controls an essential international route of commerce but now facing instability and financial issues

Tukey is struggling with ?inflation and political volatility, which have dampened its economic prospects.

And last but not least South Africa , also a BRICS member, facing important challenges such as energy shortages and slow growth, which have limited its potential.

The CIVETS group’s promise has been overshadowed by internal challenges and the rise of other emerging markets. Unlike BRICS, CIVETS lacked institutional support and cohesive strategy, which limited the long-term impact.

Recently, Donald Trump, newly appointed as President of the United States, made an interesting and curious statement suggesting that Spain is a BRICS country.

Could this “mistake” have had a hidden purpose, or was it a rhetorical flourish to emphasize broader geopolitical dynamics?

BRICS countries are a rising force in global economics that might certainly make Mr Trump a bit nervous ?.Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa emerged in the early 2000s as a symbol of the shifting global economic order. These nations shared rapid economic growth, large populations, and aspirations for greater influence on the world stage. Over time, BRICS has evolved from an economic concept into a geopolitical bloc, emphasizing cooperation in trade, investment, and the push for a multipolar world order.

In 2024, BRICS expanded to include six new members: Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. This marked a significant shift, with the inclusion of oil-rich nations and key regional players. The bloc’s goals now include reducing reliance on the U.S. dollar, enhancing trade cooperation, and offering an alternative to Western-led institutions like the IMF and World Bank.

No wonder why Mr Trump′s efforts will focus in fostering his efforts in attenuating the ?importance of the BRICS 2.0

But no, Spain is not a CIVET nor a BRICS , it’s a ?PIGS country . Portugal, Italy, Greece, Spain (and sometimes Ireland) became infamous during the European debt crisis. Characterized by high public debt, weak banking systems, and low growth, they represented the vulnerabilities of the Eurozone. The term itself thou ?controversial, frames adequately the image of those countries that relentlessly flowed and carried them away in gentle breezes of self-satisfaction.

But there have been some changes since then . Portugal has seen remarkable recovery , driven by structural reforms, a focus on tourism, and increased exports.

Greece has rebounded from default, regaining access to bond markets and improving investor confidence, though its debt levels are still among the highest in Europe.

Italy ?and ?Ireland present contrasting narratives: Ireland is a standout performer due to its tech-driven economy, while Italy in a brilliant political move is becoming pivotal for the EU and has gained a special status in ?the European Community ?with its creative formula to avoid and control illegal migration . You can either hate it or love it but it is clearly working .

And Spain ? Almost near to default in those years has survived and now is the standard-bearer of social policy, super eco-green with woke traces in the post-liberal New York style of Europe's far left, very much in line with the super Democrats who have ?just lost in the USA and practically torn their party apart

Trump’s Remark: A Mistake or a Strategic Move?

Trump’s “mistake” in associating Spain with BRICS may not have been a mistake at all. While Spain is not part of BRICS, its growing ties with the bloc and its apparent recovery from economic hardship highlights the shifting sands of global influence.

Trump’s statement serves as a reminder of the evolving dynamics in international relations and the need for strategic foresight in navigating them…… or maybe what he was saying is that SPAIN is a BRICK country …… pointing out that it is utterly stupid not to invest in defense , be the champion of the wokism now in total retreatment globally is and will not be what Spain should do …. Let’s see ,but it’s clear that challenging times are ahead and countries that ?misalign now? will suffer the rage of Uncle Sam . ?It is now the time of TRUMP , but a new one , a 4.0 TRUMP surrounded by his army of techies ?led by all mighty Mr Musk. Yes , he is right in thinking we are BRICK headed country? … but the international role of Spain will not change till there is no clear change in its policies