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India Gazette
a day ago
- Business
- India Gazette
Secure the perimeter Russias strategy beyond the Ukraine front
Moscows foreign policy enters the post-Western era The world - including Greater Eurasia - has become a more comfortable environment for Russia to pursue foreign policy objectives. Today, the balance of investment and return in Moscow's external strategy is more favorable than at any time in recent memory. What remains is to sharpen the effectiveness of this policy in Russia's immediate neighborhood, aligning it more clearly with national development goals. Russia has demonstrated its ability to withstand direct confrontation with the West, largely by mobilizing internal resources and adapting to emerging challenges. At the same time, the shift in the global balance of power - most notably the strategic irrelevance of Western Europe - has played into Russia's hands. In doing so, Moscow has reaffirmed a central aim of its foreign policy: defending its sovereign right to determine all matters concerning its national security. Yet even as Russia holds the line at its borders, it faces persistent uncertainty in the broader regional space. That is where the concept of Greater Eurasia, introduced in the mid-2010s, becomes relevant. This strategy aims to build a secure environment around Russia without resorting to coercion or domination. It is rooted in Moscow's core interests and offers a realistic path to stability in a world where direct control over neighboring states is no longer desirable - nor sustainable. There are three reasons why Russia has no interest in continued territorial expansion. First, history shows that extending beyond the natural boundaries of Russian settlement has repeatedly endangered statehood itself. Second, the cost of exerting control over neighboring states - even small ones - would quickly generate dissatisfaction among Russian citizens. Third, the Greater Eurasian space is no longer the geopolitical vacuum it was in the 18th and 19th centuries. Then, Russia could only ensure stability through force. Today, it is flanked by structured powers such as China and India, alongside assertive smaller states determined to chart their own paths. In this context, Russia has neither the need nor the justification to rely exclusively on military or diplomatic means to safeguard its national interests. The geopolitical environment in Greater Eurasia has grown more favorable, particularly in terms of the cost-benefit ratio for Russian engagement. Still, this does not eliminate the risks. Regional powers have tensions among themselves. The border clashes between India and Pakistan, for example, underscore how vulnerable Eurasian stability remains - even among nations that are formally cooperative partners of Russia. Many of these countries are involved in the same multilateral institutions as Moscow, such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization or BRICS. Yet cooperation does not negate the potential for conflict. Moreover, Western powers - though weakened - have not disappeared from the game. They continue to interfere in Eurasian affairs, either directly or by encouraging political diversification among Russia's neighbors. In some cases, the West may attempt outright destabilization of friendly Central Asian regimes. In others, the strategy is more subtle: nudging states toward broader foreign policy networks that include Europe or the US. While not inherently hostile, such maneuvers can sow distrust between Russia, China, and their smaller partners. The truth is, the West sees Eurasia less as a zone of strategic interest and more as a playing field for diplomatic gamesmanship. This unpredictability only adds to the region's fragility. At the same time, many smaller Eurasian nations are vulnerable to internal unrest, especially due to their dependency on a global economy dominated by parasitic financial centers. As recent years have shown, Western powers are struggling to reinvent that economic system beyond superficial trends such as the so-called "green transition." For countries lacking global leverage or domestic resilience - including much of Europe - this poses a serious threat. Russia, meanwhile, must consider how these dynamics affect its own stability. Despite successes in confronting the West over Ukraine - thanks in large part to support from the Global South - Moscow is being drawn deeper into regional crises. This increased engagement, though often necessary, places additional strain on national resources. It is in Greater Eurasia that Russia's involvement in managing shared development and security challenges will be most critical. Here, Moscow has the chance to create lasting mechanisms of regional stability and growth. It must do so in a way that integrates the goals of neighboring medium-sized and small states with its own strategic vision - while also considering the long-term trajectories of China and India. The journey toward a safer, more predictable Greater Eurasia is only beginning. But Russia is well-positioned to lead it - not through force, but through principled cooperation and a clear-eyed focus on development. To succeed, it must continue aligning foreign policy with domestic priorities and resist the temptation to be drawn into old imperial habits. Greater Eurasia offers an opportunity to build a new model of regional influence: one that is multipolar, pragmatic, and rooted in mutual respect. This article was first published byValdai Discussion Club, translated and edited by the RT team. (
IOL News
27-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
BRICS Plus: The Emerging Alternative to Western Economic Dominance
Officials attend a BRICS Plus plenary session in Kazan, Russia on October 24, 2024. Since its inception, BRICS Plus has transitioned from focusing primarily on economic and trade collaboration to addressing political and security matters, says the writer. Image: AFP Djoomart Otorbaev The US administration's economic decisions have wreaked havoc on world markets. President Donald Trump's approval rating for the first 100 days stood at 44 per cent, lower than all his predecessors and even lower than his rating during the first 100 days of his first term. The anticipated "golden age of America" has yet to materialize, and many US citizens doubt the effectiveness of the trade war supposedly initiated for the nation's future prosperity, instead, they anxiously anticipate and fear inflation. During this period, however, Trump has not overlooked BRICS. At a White House news conference and in his social media posts, he has repeatedly made a startling claim that the BRICS Plus nations would incur 100-percent tariffs if they created a single currency to challenge the dollar, even though no BRICS Plus nation has proposed such an idea. Despite concerns surrounding its organization, the previous BRICS Summit held in Kazan, Russia, in October 2024, proved to be a notable success. Nearly all leaders from the original five BRICS nations — Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa — and the presidents of the four new member countries, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates, attended. The only exception was Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who could not attend due to illness. Following the summit, Indonesia officially joined as the bloc's newest member in January 2025. Additionally, nine more nations, including Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, were recognized as "partner countries". Many analysts hailed the expansion of the coalition as a significant turning point, signalling the emergence of a post-Western world order where Global South nations collaborate to address their challenges together. Given the participant composition, a more powerful BRICS Plus has the potential to emerge as a central geopolitical and geoeconomic entity. The member states of BRICS Plus represent roughly 45 per cent of the global population and contribute over 35 per cent of the world's GDP based on purchasing power parity. Collaboration within the bloc is swiftly becoming institutionalized, with multinational partnerships and working groups actively addressing shared interests such as energy security, technology advancement, health, climate change and sustainable growth. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ The New Development Bank, founded in 2015 with an initial subscribed capital of $50 billion, and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement — a 2014 agreement among BRICS Plus' central banks for mutual support during unexpected currency crises, which has funding of $100 billion — are effectively structured and in operation. Since its inception, BRICS Plus has transitioned from focusing primarily on economic and trade collaboration to addressing political and security matters. The organization operates within a well-defined framework based on three pillars: economics and finance, politics and security, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges. These pillars align with the strategic priorities of the member nations, including economic development, security, narrative and normative influence and with Beijing's three global initiatives concerning security, development and civilization. As BRICS Plus continues to follow its previously established decisions, the new strategies of the US administration and conflicts within the Western world will impact the bloc's actions. With the tensions and disagreements within the G20, the United Nations, and even the G7, the rise of the grouping has triggered President Trump's aggressive approach toward BRICS Plus. The growing tensions between China and the US, along with President Trump's aggressive approach toward BRICS Plus, suggest the possibility of a confrontational dynamic. The future of BRICS Plus is influenced by the actions of the US and Europe. These actions will determine whether the bloc will strive for geopolitical neutrality or seek to establish an alternative political and economic framework, potentially impervious to Western sanctions. BRICS Plus has the potential to serve as a model and a substantial alternative to Western international cooperation, prioritizing equality and consensus-driven decision-making. However, the increasing number of member nations complicates the decision-making process. Under these circumstances, BRICS should make more effort in upholding unity through shared goals and constructive engagement given the varied interests of its members. Several influential BRICS Plus nations are working to lessen the global financial system's and markets' reliance on Western institutions. The US administration's aggressive tariff and sanctions policies have intensified the necessity to enhance instruments such as the NDB and the BRICS Plus national currency pool, which are intended to be immune to sanctions.
IOL News
27-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
BRICS Plus: The Emerging Alternative to Western Economic Dominance
Officials attend a BRICS Plus plenary session in Kazan, Russia on October 24, 2024. Since its inception, BRICS Plus has transitioned from focusing primarily on economic and trade collaboration to addressing political and security matters, says the writer. Image: AFP Djoomart Otorbaev The US administration's economic decisions have wreaked havoc on world markets. President Donald Trump's approval rating for the first 100 days stood at 44 per cent, lower than all his predecessors and even lower than his rating during the first 100 days of his first term. The anticipated "golden age of America" has yet to materialize, and many US citizens doubt the effectiveness of the trade war supposedly initiated for the nation's future prosperity, instead, they anxiously anticipate and fear inflation. During this period, however, Trump has not overlooked BRICS. At a White House news conference and in his social media posts, he has repeatedly made a startling claim that the BRICS Plus nations would incur 100-percent tariffs if they created a single currency to challenge the dollar, even though no BRICS Plus nation has proposed such an idea. Despite concerns surrounding its organization, the previous BRICS Summit held in Kazan, Russia, in October 2024, proved to be a notable success. Nearly all leaders from the original five BRICS nations — Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa — and the presidents of the four new member countries, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates, attended. The only exception was Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who could not attend due to illness. Following the summit, Indonesia officially joined as the bloc's newest member in January 2025. Additionally, nine more nations, including Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, were recognized as "partner countries". Many analysts hailed the expansion of the coalition as a significant turning point, signalling the emergence of a post-Western world order where Global South nations collaborate to address their challenges together. Given the participant composition, a more powerful BRICS Plus has the potential to emerge as a central geopolitical and geoeconomic entity. The member states of BRICS Plus represent roughly 45 per cent of the global population and contribute over 35 per cent of the world's GDP based on purchasing power parity. Collaboration within the bloc is swiftly becoming institutionalized, with multinational partnerships and working groups actively addressing shared interests such as energy security, technology advancement, health, climate change and sustainable growth. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ The New Development Bank, founded in 2015 with an initial subscribed capital of $50 billion, and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement — a 2014 agreement among BRICS Plus' central banks for mutual support during unexpected currency crises, which has funding of $100 billion — are effectively structured and in operation. Since its inception, BRICS Plus has transitioned from focusing primarily on economic and trade collaboration to addressing political and security matters. The organization operates within a well-defined framework based on three pillars: economics and finance, politics and security, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges. These pillars align with the strategic priorities of the member nations, including economic development, security, narrative and normative influence and with Beijing's three global initiatives concerning security, development and civilization. As BRICS Plus continues to follow its previously established decisions, the new strategies of the US administration and conflicts within the Western world will impact the bloc's actions. With the tensions and disagreements within the G20, the United Nations, and even the G7, the rise of the grouping has triggered President Trump's aggressive approach toward BRICS Plus. The growing tensions between China and the US, along with President Trump's aggressive approach toward BRICS Plus, suggest the possibility of a confrontational dynamic. The future of BRICS Plus is influenced by the actions of the US and Europe. These actions will determine whether the bloc will strive for geopolitical neutrality or seek to establish an alternative political and economic framework, potentially impervious to Western sanctions. BRICS Plus has the potential to serve as a model and a substantial alternative to Western international cooperation, prioritizing equality and consensus-driven decision-making. However, the increasing number of member nations complicates the decision-making process. Under these circumstances, BRICS should make more effort in upholding unity through shared goals and constructive engagement given the varied interests of its members. Several influential BRICS Plus nations are working to lessen the global financial system's and markets' reliance on Western institutions. The US administration's aggressive tariff and sanctions policies have intensified the necessity to enhance instruments such as the NDB and the BRICS Plus national currency pool, which are intended to be immune to sanctions.
South China Morning Post
14-03-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Brics ‘not anti-Western' but must unite against ‘external shocks': Chinese think tank
The Brics group should raise its strategic profile on the world stage, working together to tackle 'external shocks' including Western sanctions against founding member Russia, according to a government-affiliated Chinese think tank. Advertisement The Shanghai Institute for International Studies (SIIS), in a report published on Wednesday, argued that the emerging economies group was not aligned against the West. Rather, it was a non-Western platform that sought a 'just and reasonable post-Western order' while championing the needs of the developing world, it said. The report comes with the expanding group encountering growing scrutiny as it is seen to challenge the Western dominance of world affairs. Set up in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India and China, the group was renamed Brics after South Africa joined the following year. It has since expanded to 10 members. Western officials have questioned the growing influence of Brics, with US President Donald Trump repeatedly threatening tariffs if it moved to create a currency to rival the US dollar's dominance in global trade. 02:07 Xi and Putin vow stronger China-Russia cooperation to counter Western-led world order Xi and Putin vow stronger China-Russia cooperation to counter Western-led world order In their report, SIIS researchers said Brics had grown in appeal and influence, becoming an important force in promoting Global South cooperation and the reform of the global governance system.
