Fabio Borges, Professor at the Federal University of Latin American Integration (UNILA), Curator of BRICS at the Coordination of Asian Studies (CEÁSIA) of the Federal University of Pernambuco, in an interview with TV BRICS about the Russian presidency of BRICS and the influence of the new members of the alliance in the International System.

What can we expect from Russia’s current BRICS presidency?

BRICS is important for Russia as an instrument for defending dialogue and peace, and Russia is important for BRICS because of its economic and political power in the world. So we expect a very active and dynamic period for the group under the leadership of a country that is a protagonist in international relations.

For Brazil and the other member countries of the bloc, what might seem most important on the agenda?

The defence of a peaceful world and of multilateralism in order to build a more stable and collaborative international system. The central themes on the agenda are the economic and social development of emerging and poor countries, with special attention to climate change. In addition to economic co-operation through the BRICS New Development Bank, we can envisage collaboration in the areas of clean energy, green technologies, in the cultural sphere (e.g. TV BRICS), in health, among others.

With the entry of new members, what opportunities are opening up for BRICS and what difficulties might arise?

The expansion of the group shows that it generates interest and is of growing importance in the international system. This expansion strengthens the group economically and politically, creating greater representation and diversity within the group. Although six new members were invited, Argentina chose not to join the group. This diversity and expansion will make consensus more difficult, especially on cultural issues, because countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have more conservative profiles. The issue of clean energy could also be a challenge, as these countries have energy matrices that are very dependent on oil.

How can geographical, cultural, religious differences affect the realisation of the BRICS common goals? What are these goals?

The group was born very heterogeneous and diverse, but with ten members this will certainly increase. From a geographical point of view, these are countries of different sizes, but generally large in terms of territory and population. There is a certain balance with representatives from various continents. In terms of culture and religion, there may be considerable differences between the ten members, but there may also be greater mutual understanding, fostering admiration and complementarities between these nations with such rich histories. The central objective is to build a more stable, democratic and fair international system.

Photo: Federal University of Latin American Integration