West has been the dominant player when it comes to superpowers of the world. West and its allies have overpowered the world for quite a long time. However, the rise of BRICS countries— Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa- can prove to be a turning point at which we can see a power shift. Is the world seeing a move from West to East and South? Could BRICS emerge as the next global superpowers?

BRICS Nations hold a large share of the world’s population and economy. About 40% of the entire population and 25% of the global GDP comes from BRICS nations. China and India, in particular, are the front runners who are expected to drive much of the world's economy in the coming time. China holds the second-largest economy in the world, with India in fifth.

Size is not the only core strength of BRICS growth; its growing influence in global trade and investment is also crucial. The New Development Bank (NDB), established by BRICS, is an example of how these nations create alternatives to Western-led financial institutions like the IMF and World Bank. This move signals that BRICS countries are prepared to reshape the current economic order.

Unlike the West, where the commonly shared political systems and values throughout history provided continuity and unity. BRICS is a set of diverse nations in which Brazil offers natural resources, Russia has energy reserves, India has a growing technology and world-class, affordable services sector, China leads in manufacturing, and South Africa is well known for its mining and industrial sectors. This can represent an opportunity, but at the same time, it becomes a challenge.

While internal differences sometimes make cooperation within BRICS difficult, the diversity of these economies also makes the group resilient. For example, during times when Western markets have slowed down, BRICS nations have continued to grow, driven by their internal markets and trade partnerships with each other.

Along with a great performance in the world economy, BRICS is also affirming its stand in global diplomacy. BRICS nations have put forward the view that power should be distributed more evenly among nations rather than being concentrated in the West. This is evident in the growing role of BRICS in forums like the G20, where their collective voice is becoming harder to ignore.

India and China have become key players in global negotiations on climate change, trade, and space exploration. And Russia, despite facing geopolitical challenges still holds significant military and energy influence. Although Brazil and South Africa are smaller nations, they still have important regional influences in Latin America and Africa.

BRICS might have to face significant challenges while overcoming the West’s dominance. For example, geopolitical tensions between India and China could affect cooperation. Also, Russia’s war with Ukraine and resulting sanctions have further isolated it from global markets. Additionally, internal political instability in countries like Brazil and South Africa could slow their growth.

Despite these challenges, BRICS is positioned to play a critical role in the future of global politics and economics. As the West is also struggling with its own internal challenges like rising inequality and political divide, BRICS could offer a new model for international cooperation and development.

The shift from West to BRICS is not guaranteed. Whether they become the next global superpowers will depend on their ability to overcome the challenges. With their continuous growth in the world economy, political aspirations, and regional strengths, BRICS has the potential to shape the next era of world superpowers. Overall, BRICS is a force that cannot be ignored.

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About the author,

    Devanshu

A B.Com Honours graduate, this boy brings a calm, composed, and optimistic approach to everything he does. With a background in Statutory Auditing and a passion for watching anime, he enjoys exploring the structured world of finance and the imaginative realms of storytelling. Balancing his academic pursuits with a love for creative escapism, he always seeks to blend the best of both worlds.