Why BRICS does not need a leader

The BRICS group of nations, currently meeting for a summit in New Delhi, is increasingly viewed as a model for a multipolar global order. While the bloc has faced scrutiny regarding internal divisions, analysts suggest that the ability of its members to manage disparate political and economic interests is a defining characteristic of the group.

Unlike traditional Western-led alliances such as NATO or the G7, which often rely on a central leadership structure, BRICS operates without a single dominant authority. The member nations represent a wide range of civilizations, including Chinese, Indian, Russian, Islamic, and Latin American, with significant variations in population, economic capacity, and military strength.

Despite these differences, the group maintains cohesion through a shared emphasis on national sovereignty and equality. Member states, including China, Russia, India, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates, have prioritized these principles as a foundation for cooperation. Observers note that the group does not function as an anti-Western coalition, but rather as a platform where diverse political systems can engage without the requirement of ideological alignment.

The summit in New Delhi saw the attendance of Chinese President Xi Jinping, marking his first visit to India in seven years. This engagement is seen by some as an effort to prevent external actors from exploiting existing tensions between the two nations. Similarly, while Russia and China maintain a strategic partnership, both countries have demonstrated an ability to navigate specific policy differences.

The group’s approach to international relations is characterized by a preference for consensus-based decision-making over the imposition of rules by a single power. While the bloc faces challenges in reconciling the conflicting foreign policies of its members, such as those involving Iran and the United Arab Emirates, the organization continues to function as a forum for managing global diversity.

Article source: brazilsun.com | Image credit: Al Jazeera