BRICS Ascending: How the Bloc is Redefining Global Economics and Power in 2025

In 2025, the global power structure is undergoing a quiet revolution. The BRICS coalition—originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—has evolved into a formidable force challenging the long-standing dominance of Western-led institutions like the G7, the IMF, and the World Bank. With the expansion to include new members such as Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, BRICS is no longer just a symbol of emerging economies—it is an active architect of a new multipolar world order.

This article delves into the economic strategies, political influence, and global aspirations of BRICS in 2025 and why its growing prominence matters to businesses, policymakers, and citizens worldwide.

1. Expansion to BRICS+: A Bold Strategic Move

The 2023 BRICS Summit in Johannesburg marked a significant pivot when the group extended membership invitations to six new nations, some of which officially joined in 2024. This move has dramatically expanded the bloc’s geographic reach and economic weight.

Why It Matters:

• BRICS+ nations now represent over 45% of the global population and approximately 30% of global GDP, as per World Bank statistics.

• The inclusion of energy-rich nations like Saudi Arabia and the UAE strengthens the bloc’s energy security and geopolitical leverage.

For an in-depth look, Chatham House outlines the motivations and potential implications of BRICS+ expansion.

2. Economic Realignment: Towards De-Dollarization

A central BRICS objective is the gradual shift away from U.S. dollar dependence in international trade. This strategy, known as “de-dollarization,” is gaining ground in 2025.

Key Developments:

• BRICS nations are increasingly conducting bilateral and multilateral trade in local currencies.

• A BRICS common digital currency is under active development, aimed at facilitating cross-border payments and insulating member economies from Western sanctions.

According to Reuters, this initiative could significantly reduce the global dominance of the U.S. dollar and alter the structure of international finance.

3. Institutional Innovation: Creating Alternatives to the West

BRICS is not just forming policy; it’s building institutions. The New Development Bank (NDB), often dubbed the “BRICS Bank,” is expanding its role as a credible alternative to the IMF and World Bank.

Notable Achievements:

• The NDB has already financed infrastructure and green energy projects in member and non-member nations.

• It issues loans in local currencies, reducing exchange rate risks and strengthening local economies.

Explore the bank’s active projects and strategy on the New Development Bank website.

4. Diplomatic Influence: A Parallel Global Order

While BRICS avoids direct military entanglements, its political alliances and diplomatic engagements are influencing global norms, particularly in Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America.

Diplomatic Impact:

• BRICS members are promoting non-interventionist policies and pushing for reforms in global governance, including UN Security Council restructuring.

• Their alignment offers a counterbalance to NATO and the G7 in global forums.

The Carnegie Endowment provides a compelling analysis of how BRICS diplomacy is challenging Western narratives and structures.

5. Technology and Infrastructure Cooperation

Another defining feature of BRICS in 2025 is its push for technological sovereignty. Joint investments in 5G, AI, space research, and digital infrastructure are positioning the bloc as a self-reliant innovator.

Initiatives Underway:

• Russia and China are collaborating on AI and quantum computing systems.

• India is leading discussions on digital public infrastructure, inspired by its Aadhaar and UPI frameworks.

• Brazil is advocating for sustainable tech and green innovation within the bloc.

For updates on this tech-oriented cooperation, Brookings Institution offers timely perspectives.

6. Global South Solidarity: A Voice for Developing Nations

Perhaps the most impactful role BRICS is playing in 2025 is acting as a collective voice for the Global South.

• The bloc is advocating for climate justice, demanding that richer nations fulfill their climate finance commitments.

• It's championing reforms in global trade rules to make them more equitable for developing economies.

The South Centre regularly documents BRICS-led positions in international negotiations, particularly around IP rights, trade, and development.

Challenges Ahead: Not All Smooth Sailing

Despite its growing clout, BRICS faces several internal and external challenges:

• Diverging national interests (e.g., India-China tensions) could undermine unity.

• Institutional capacity remains limited compared to older bodies like the IMF or G7.

• Critics question the transparency and human rights standards of some member governments, potentially affecting global trust.

Still, the overall trajectory suggests that BRICS will continue playing an increasingly influential role in world affairs—especially as Western powers grapple with internal crises and declining influence in the Global South.

Conclusion: BRICS Isn’t Just Rising—It’s Reshaping the World

The BRICS alliance is no longer a symbolic coalition of emerging markets. In 2025, it’s an organized, assertive force shaping the rules of global economics, diplomacy, and development. Its initiatives in financial independence, multipolar diplomacy, and technological autonomy are redefining how global power is distributed—and who gets a seat at the table.

For citizens, business leaders, and governments alike, understanding BRICS is not optional. It’s essential to grasp the contours of a rapidly changing world where the traditional lines of East and West no longer apply in the same way.