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Otago Daily Times
20 hours ago
- Politics
- Otago Daily Times
Brics may be losing its bite
No-shows by key leaders at an annual summit underscored the difficulties of an international bloc that once sought to reshape world politics, James Kynge, of The Observer , writes. The annual summit of Brics, a growing world grouping seen as the Global South's answer to the G7, met in the Brazilian capital this week. But its two heaviest hitters stayed away. So what? Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin were absent at a time when the coalition faces the toughest test of its relevance since it was founded in 2009, even as it expands. The 11 members of Brics account for about 40% of global GDP, and their average growth rate remains significantly ahead of the rest of the world. But the Rio summit faced critical challenges including last year's addition of Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Indonesia, which has brought fresh divisions and entrenched old ones; wars in the Middle East and Ukraine; and Donald Trump's tariff threats. Xi's no-show. China is by far the largest Brics economy and styles itself as a leader of the developing world. So Xi not turning up for the first time in more than a decade, without a credible excuse, has to be seen as a downgrading of the importance Beijing accords the group. Lula's loss. Xi's absence was particularly felt by Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who has ambitions to bolster his country's leadership role within Brics and among developing countries seeking the democratisation of the international system. Putin's absence. Putin, Xi's closest ally in Brics, beamed in by video link to claim the liberal world order is "obsolete". He faced arrest if he travelled to Brazil in person since the country is part of the International Criminal Court, which has an outstanding warrant for Putin for the alleged abduction of thousands of Ukrainian children. Another Bric in the wall. The grouping called the bombing of Iran, one of its new faces, a "blatant breach of international law" but didn't mention the US or Israel by name — an indicator of the limited influence of Brics, which cannot back up statements with policies. Autocratic drift. The more than doubling of Brics membership last year, largely driven by China, drew concerns from members such as India and Brazil because it tilts the grouping much further towards autocracy. Among the new members, only Indonesia is a democracy, while Iran, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia and the UAE are authoritarian states in varying degrees. Competing loyalties. The Saudis and Emiratis, meanwhile, are staunch military allies of the United States, while India is also stepping up its defence partnerships with the West. This has further fragmented a bloc that was already struggling for cohesion. At a meeting in April, its foreign ministers failed to agree on a final statement. And yet. The grouping remains useful politically, especially to Russia. Its statement — signed off by two key US allies in Saudi Arabia and the UAE — barely mentioned Russia's actions in Ukraine, beyond calling for a "sustainable peace settlement" and criticising Ukraine's strikes on Russian infrastructure. For developing nations, the bloc still represents the most credible alternative to the US-led West and is a useful forum for expressing dissatisfaction with the current world order. About 30 countries have applied to join or expressed interest in joining, including Malaysia, Bangladesh and Turkey, a Nato member. Talk of the town. While its statement covered everything from AI and food production to boosting the representation of the Global South in multilateral institutions, Trump's trade policies took up much of the summit's attention. The bloc lamented "unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures", but did not directly call out the Trump administration — another pulled punch. That's unlikely to stop Trump ... In fact, he immediately hit back with a threat to impose extra duties of 10% on countries that align themselves with "anti-American policies".
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First Post
2 days ago
- Business
- First Post
Brics joint statement on Iran: A challenge for Trump
Although Iran has managed to get the support of Brics+ nation, it would be interesting to see if this will have any impact on the strategic calculus of Israel and the US read more Leaders and representatives from Brazil, China, Russia, India, Indonesia, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, the UAE, and Iran pose for a family photo during the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro on July 6. (Reuters) At a time when President Donald Trump is making all out efforts to turn the wheels of history back by converting the contemporary world order as unipolar with the US as the default, de facto and de jure power of the world, or at best as bipolar, with the US and China as the only 'players who matter', it seems his plans are failing, just like his efforts to 'stop the war between Russia and Ukraine'. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Several other states and regional blocks are asserting themselves independently and taking stands that do not subscribe to dominant US views, especially on controversial issues like wars, climate change, green financing and responsibility of the developed nations, etc. The joint statement of the leaders of the Brics countries that came out after the recently concluded Brics summit at Brazil is a testimony to it. The statement has given a significant boost to Iran, the new joinee to the block in its foreign policy outreach after the attack on its three nuclear sites by Israel and the US. It is also a reflection of changing geopolitical dynamics and a push back by developing countries to assert themselves. What's Brics? Brics initially referred to a group of nations undergoing swift economic expansion that, if sustained at comparable rates, would become the preeminent economic powers of the 21st century. The abbreviation, originating from the names of the initial members Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has been adopted as the designation of a formal international organisation that seeks to enhance economic and geopolitical integration and cooperation among its member states. The phrase Bric, representing Brazil, Russia, India, and China, was initially coined by Goldman Sachs economist Jim O'Neill to characterise the four economies that might potentially control the world economy by 2050, if they sustain growth. Representatives of the BRIC nations commenced informal meetings during the 2006 session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), paving the way for the formalisation of the group in the future. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD During their inaugural summit in 2009, the BRIC nations reiterated their dedication to a multipolar world order and global non-interventionism, advocating for a new global reserve currency as a substitute for the U.S. dollar. In 2011, South Africa became a member of the organisation, resulting in the group's acronym being altered to Brics. This indicated a shift from a particular economic classification to a broader coalition of emerging regional leaders. The Brics organisation is also perceived as an initiative to establish a geopolitical bloc that can counteract the dominance of Western-led global organisations like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. The true cohesion and alignment of the Brics nations, as well as the actual worth of the alliance, however, remains a subject of contention. Several analysts highlight the significant disparities in the political systems, economy, and geopolitical standings of the member states as indicators of the organization's fragility. Brics expanded in 2024 to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE, with Indonesia joining in 2025, along with ten associate nations, turning it as Brics+. Brics currently emphasises climate financing, artificial intelligence governance, and alternative payment systems, while managing internal diversity and global issues. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD About the 17th Brics Summit The 17th Brics Summit took place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on July 6-7, 2025, representing a significant event for the group during Brazil's leadership, with the subject 'Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.' The Summit convened amid rising geopolitical tensions and a changing global order, seeking to establish Brics as a counterbalance to Western-dominated institutions such as the IMF and G7, while steering clear of outright conflict. Nonetheless, the increasing U.S. protectionism under President Donald Trump, who threatened substantial tariffs on Brics states engaging in de-dollarization, highlighted the difficulties of manoeuvring through the US-China competition and Western scepticism. During the summit, host nation Brazil's emphasis on climate finance, AI governance, and health equity signified a pragmatic transition towards the goals of the Global South, in contrast to the 2024 Kazan Summit's concentration on Russia's anti-sanction agenda. Internal differences, especially about UN Security Council reform and de-dollarisation, underscored the bloc's challenges in achieving cohesion amidst its varied political systems—three democracies (Brazil, India, South Africa) and two authoritarian regimes (China, Russia). STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Brics Statement on Iran The major highlight of the summit, however, was a joint statement released by Brics leaders that sharply rebuked the United States and Israeli bombardments of Iran in June 2025, calling them a 'blatant breach of international law' while voicing strong support for the creation of a Palestinian state. Iran garnered significant diplomatic support during the summit, as the group denounced recent bombings on Iranian soil. The block condemned 'the military strikes against the Islamic Republic of Iran,' alluding to assaults by Israel and the United States. The joint statement, although not explicitly naming the U.S. or Israel, constituted Brics' most robust condemnation to date. China and Russia indicated their strong apprehensions against the actions of the US and Israel, with Moscow describing the strikes as 'unprovoked.' The consolidated stance of Brics, now inclusive of Iran, indicates an increasing alignment among non-Western nations in opposing the recent US-led actions on bombing the three nuclear sites in Iran. Tehran's backing by Brics countries comes at a pivotal moment as it pursues worldwide acknowledgement of what it perceives as an illegitimate attack on its sovereignty and nuclear infrastructure. Over a period of time, Iran has persistently attempted to escape diplomatic isolation. Full membership in Brics, together with a collective declaration of solidarity, may enhance its capacity to contest the Western narrative in global platforms such as the United Nations and the International Atomic Energy Agency. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Iranian delegation in Brazil had, however, advocated for an even stronger language of condemnation regarding the attack on its nuclear installations. The concluding statement has denounced the strikes and underscored that 'assaults on critical infrastructure and nuclear facilities are impermissible under international law.' With backing from Brics, Iran is anticipated to intensify its demands for a formal inquiry via the U.N. Security Council and the IAEA. In this context, Tehran may also seek additional security guarantees from Russia and China. As Brics evolves into a more cohesive political organisation, Iran's inclusion may alter future reactions to regional disputes involving Western countries. Peace, till when? By the time of writing this article, there was no official reaction from the Government of Israel on the Brics joint statement. It would be interesting to see how Israel reacts to it. The joint declaration denouncing Israeli actions against Iran also received support from India. Earlier this month, India distanced itself from a statement released by the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), which vehemently criticised Israel's military actions on Iranian soil. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Although Iran has managed to get the support of Brics+ nation, it would be interesting to see if this will have any impact on the strategic calculus of Israel and the US, which want not just an end of Iran's nuclear dreams, but also a regime change, something that is almost impossible without putting boots on the ground. Peace, in West Asia, is just like a comma, and never a full stop! It may look like it is finally achieved, but then even a small incident spills over to bring back violence. Pavan Chaurasia is a Research Fellow at India Foundation, a New Delhi based think tank working on foreign policy and national security. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost's views.
The Herald Scotland
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Billion Dollar Playground: Will you be coming out to play?
*** KNOW your Louis Vuitton from your Bric's ? Adore a temperamental chef? Enjoy watching rich people behaving badly? Then you, my friend, are likely a veteran of the reality show Below Deck, and therefore the target audience of new arrival Billion Dollar Playground. Lucky you. Below Deck, with Kenny Rogers-lookalike Captain Lee and no-nonsense chief stew Kate, was set on a luxury charter yacht. Every week it cast off with a new batch of guests, but the crew stayed the same. Wildly differing personalities thrown together by circumstance, they bickered, bonded, got bladdered, and occasionally did something else beginning with 'b'. Think Upstairs Downstairs in deck shoes. One of the earliest streaming hits, you can still watch Below Deck for free on Channel 4. Billion Dollar Playground, set in an Australian luxury lets business, updates the idea. 'Our guests are the world's elite,' said Tom, one of the owners. The first let was an apartment in Rose Bay, Sydney Harbour, where a crack team was waiting to serve. In true Apprentice style they introduced/hanged themselves. 'I've had to be a best friend, the servant, and a downright slave,' said lead concierge Salvatore, not at all dramatically. His deputy, named Heaven, said her superpower was making guests' dreams come true. Hard as the team were working to get the place spotless, there was a distinct whiff of something in the air and it wasn't bleach. The clients, a group of business women, arrived and immediately began demanding their money's worth. The team were delighted to oblige in the spare moments between gossip sessions, with the Salvatore and Heaven clash top of the bill. 'I think Salvatore has had a go at Heaven,' said trainee concierge Nicole. 'Why?' said Elsie the chambermaid. 'I don't know why.' said Nicole. Elsie tried again. 'What for?' 'I don't know what for,' said Nicole. If you can stand an hour of this verbal jousting you'll feel right at home in the Billion Dollar Playground club. In the kitchen were George and Matt, brothers and chefs. They were already looking frazzled one episode in, having been asked to whip up extra canapes before dinner. I wouldn't fancy their chances in a below-deck kitchen. Trying to play it cool was JB, the French butler. Australian standards of hospitality were a 'little more laid back', he said. JB lost his cool in the Mystery of the Missing Dom, a fraught little episode involving a guest asking for the Champagne she had brought. It was in the boot of the car, but running around like headless chickens meant no one on the staff clocked it. A quick trip to the shops to buy replacements and the panic was over. More crises followed as a matter of course. Dog-gate, Bowl-gate, Missing Dessert Spoons-Gate, Salvatore and Heaven hissing at each other, living in the lap of luxury was hardly stress-free. No prices were given in the first episode so who knows how much it all cost, apart from your precious time. Another glass of Dom, anyone?
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Business Standard
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Making Brics count: Summit highlighted diminishing global relevance
The lengthy, nearly 16,000-word Rio de Janeiro Declaration, which followed the summit, made all the right noises about "inclusive and sustainable" governance Business Standard Editorial Comment Mumbai Listen to This Article The joint statement issued by the Brics summit, hosted by Brazil, may have attracted the ire of United States (US) President Donald Trump for its criticism of the bombing of Iran and tariff-based protectionism. But this unexpected attention from an erratic US President does not detract from doubts about the grouping's relevance. The catchy acronym Bric was coined by a Goldman Sachs economist in 2001 to designate a group of prominent emerging markets in Brazil, Russia, India, and China. This grouping first met in a formal summit in 2009; South Africa's attendance at the second summit in 2010 rounded off
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First Post
6 days ago
- Politics
- First Post
Is China's Xi Jinping stepping down? His absence from Brics summit fuels speculation
The 17th Brics summit has begun in Brazil's Rio de Janeiro and leaders, including Prime Minister Modi and South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa are in attendance. However, for the first time since taking power in 2012, Chinese President Xi Jinping is skipping the meet. His absence has now given rise to rumours that a political transition is taking place within the Asian nation read more This is the first time since taking power in 2012 that China's Xi Jinping will be skipping the Brics summit being held in Brazil. File image/AP On Sunday (July 6), all eyes turned to Brazil's Rio de Janeiro where leaders comprising the Brics forum met to conduct their annual meeting. However, two leaders of its most powerful members — China's Xi Jinping and Vladmir Putin of Russia — have chosen to skip the annual meeting. What is even more notable is that this is the first time since taking power in 2012 that Xi will be absent from the Brics stage which Prime Minister Narendra Modi is attending. In fact, on Sunday, PM Modi launched a scathing attack on Pakistan for supporting terrorism, and also said that it should not be acceptable that some say or do nothing against the spread of terror for the sake of personal or political gain. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But why has Xi chosen to skip the meeting? Is it a case of scheduling conflict as China has claimed or is it internal pressures or an indicator of his waning power? We analyse the possible reasons for Xi's absence and why it matters to the Brics summit. What's Brics and who's attending? In 2006, the countries of Brazil, Russia, India and China came together to form Bric and four years later, it expanded to become Brics with the entry of South Africa. The group's aim is to bring the world's most important developing countries together, to challenge the political and economic power of the wealthier nations of North America and Western Europe. Today, the group has extended membership to other countries as well — Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates were invited to become members in January 2024. Even Argentina was called on, but President Javier Milei pulled out his country in 2023, shortly after taking office. For this year's annual meet being held in Brazil, while Xi and Putin are absent, PM Modi from India and South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa are in attendance. Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto is also expected to attend after the country officially joined Brics earlier this year. Members from UAE, Ethiopia and Egypt are also likely to join. Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva speaks during the Brics Summit, at the Museum of Modern Art (MAM) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Seen with the Brazilian president is India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa. Both China's Xi Jinping and Russia's Vladimir Putin have skipped this year's Brics summit. Reuters Why isn't Xi attending? According to China's foreign ministry, Xi's absence at the meeting — a first since 2012 — comes as a result of scheduling conflicts. However, China isn't without a presence at the 17th Brics summit; Xi has sent his premier, Li Qiang, for the meeting in his stead. But analysts and experts note that there's more to Xi's absence than just a scheduling conflict. Some China observers note that Xi is staying away from Rio de Janeiro to concentrate on managing China's economic challenges. The Asian giant's industrial profits plunged 9.1 per cent in May from a year earlier, an indicator that Beijing's stimulus efforts are falling short in boosting enterprises' profitability. Moreover, slow consumer spending and a slump in the real estate market has slowed down China's economy. The unpredictable trade war with the United States is also a headache for the Asian nation. Some experts observe that China is set to have a major political meeting later in the year and this may be the reason why Xi is focusing on domestic affairs rather than international summits. As Chong Ja Ian, an associate professor at the National University of Singapore told CNN, 'Brics may just not be his greatest priority as he focuses on steering China's domestic economy.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, some others note that Xi's absence from Brics is the latest indicator that the 'forever leader' may be stepping down or a transition of power is set to take place. In fact, speculation has been rife in China that a power change is brewing — the state-run Xinhua news outlet reported that the 24-member Political Bureau of the ruling Communist Party of China held a meeting in which it reviewed a set of new regulations on the work of the party's institutions. A China analyst pointed out in a South China Morning Post report that these changes hint at preparations for Xi's retirement. 'The rules may be set up to regulate the bodies because it's a key time for power transition,' the analyst said. Gordon Chang, an expert on US-China relations, also noted that Xi's absence at the Brics summit is more about Xi's waning power. 'It's extremely significant that Xi Jinping is not going. It suggests turbulence at home — there are signs he's lost control of the military and that civilian rivals are reasserting power. This is a symptom of that,' Chang was quoted as saying by Fox News. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But not everyone agrees with this assessment and point out that the divisions within the Brics itself is a reason why Xi may have decided to skip the meeting. They stated that the group's rapid expansion in the past few years has also led to a decline in cohesion. For instance, the Associated Press citing sources has said that some member states are calling for a firmer stance on Israel's war in Gaza and its recent strikes on Iran. But not all member states are have agreed on it. Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi walk during the Brics Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Reuters Why does Xi's absence from Brics matter? Xi's absence at the Brics summit is significant; it reduces the group's value. Moreover, Xi's decision to skip the summit is also a missed opportunity to reinforce China's leadership among Global South nations and position itself as a counterweight to Western influence — an image Beijing has long cultivated. Additionally, the group's standing may also be affected by the fact that it is not just Xi but also Russia's Vladimir Putin who has skipped the meeting. The Russian president is facing an international criminal court arrest warrant as a result of the ongoing war against Ukraine and may have decided not to travel to Rio to avoid embarrassing the summit hosts, who are signatories to the ICC statute. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But irrespective of the outcome of Brics, the US is watching is closely. In fact, US President Trump has already threatened to impose an additional 10 per cent tariff on countries aligning themselves with the 'anti-American' policies of the Brics grouping. 'Any country aligning themselves with the Anti-American policies of Brics, will be charged an additional 10 per cent tariff. There will be no exceptions to this policy. Thank you for your attention to this matter!' Trump said in a post on Truth Social on Sunday night. Now, we will just have to wait and watch to see how the situation unfolds. With inputs from agencies
