The five-nation BRICS group is growing, and so is its influence

Oleg Firer
2 min readJan 2, 2024

In January 2024, five new countries, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, officially joined the BRICS alliance, marking a significant expansion of the group. This move reflects the growing influence of these nations on the global stage, as BRICS aims to foster cooperation and address economic challenges collectively. The inclusion of these five countries strengthens the alliance’s geopolitical and economic position, paving the way for enhanced collaboration in trade, technology, and sustainable development. As these diverse nations come together, the world watches to see how this expanded BRICS alliance will shape the future of international relations and impact the global economy.

The addition of these five new members significantly increases the group’s economic and political clout, representing a combined population of over 2.5 billion and a collective GDP of over $16 trillion. It remains to be seen how this expanded BRICS will shape global economic and political dynamics in the years to come.

Benefits of BRICS Expansion:

1️⃣ Economic Powerhouse: With Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates on board, BRICS now represents a more diverse and robust economic force, fostering collaboration on trade and investment opportunities.

2️⃣ Geopolitical Influence: The alliance’s expansion enhances its geopolitical standing, creating a platform for strategic discussions and joint initiatives on global issues.

3️⃣ Technology Innovation: BRICS can now harness the technological prowess of Indonesia and Mexico, driving innovation and advancements in areas like AI, renewable energy, and digital infrastructure.

4️⃣ Sustainable Development: The inclusion of these nations strengthens BRICS’ commitment to sustainable development, enabling collaborative efforts to address environmental challenges and promote inclusive growth.

5️⃣ Global Financial Stability: BRICS’ New Development Bank (NDB) enhances global financial stability by providing an alternative source of funding, reducing dependence on traditional institutions.

As we embark on this new chapter, let’s anticipate the positive impact these additions will have on shaping a more interconnected, resilient, and prosperous global community.

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Oleg Firer

Diplomat | Entrepreneur | International Relations Executive