The international stage has always been ruled by a deep contradiction between the global north and the global south. The most developed countries of the world are found in the global north, while the global south denotes developing and, most noticeably, the underdeveloped nations.

BRICS now represents half of the world’s population and challenges the Western-led order with a new financial and diplomatic architecture.

On 25 March 1973, the ‘Group of Seven’ (G-7), which includes the US, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, and the UK, was established as an informal bloc of the global north. From the very beginning, the G-7 has always attempted to monopolize the global financial system, employing their hegemony as a bargaining chip against their shared competitors, such as China, Russia, etc.

The global south has always been under control of the Western world. Harsh debt conditions and resource exploitation by the Western corporations and MNCs have further worsened the scenario. The global south also calls for greater representation in international affairs.

Therefore, a new bloc known as the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) arose in 2009 to challenge Western hegemony and exploitation. As of 2023, BRICS membership increased with new states, i.e., Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Indonesia. This expansion further increased the global relevance and diplomatic say of the grouping.

BRICS now represents half of the world’s population, holding approximately 40% of the world’s economy. As of 2025, Brazil hosted the 17th BRICS summit on 6th and 7th July 2025. ‘Strengthening Global South Cooperation for a More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance’ was the BRICS 2025 summit motto under which the protectionist policies of the Trump administration were criticized by maintaining a non-confrontational stance. Furthermore, the BRICS countries denounced the genocide in Gaza and the West Bank, as well as the recent US and Israeli attacks on Iran.

Right from the first day, BRICS has openly promoted de-dollarization and a call for change in global financial architecture. But, this time in 2025, BRICS members have stated that they don’t require a shift in world order nor any confrontation with the West. Despite this, BRICS should be allocated a 25% stake in the IMF.

The creation of a BRICS cross-border payment system marks a pivotal move toward reducing dependence on Western financial instruments.

Additionally, the most notable move made by BRICS nations this year is the introduction of a cross-border payment system, a substitute for Western SWIFT. The system will be combined with the BRICS’ New Development Bank (NDB). This would allow them to conduct trade with one another in times of crisis, overcoming the Western sanctions. For this reason, a payment task force has been established.

The addition of new nations, transforming it into BRICS Plus, is bringing both opportunities and challenges to the global south. Because of the addition of nations that have a far more amicable relationship with the West, i.e., KSA, the UAE, etc., the statements and announcements made by the BRICS this year were less aggressive and non-confrontational towards the West.

In the same manner, the diverse foreign policies of the member states would result in multilateral foreign policy approaches that would differ on global issues and lead to differences in positions that might result in international splits and tension. Further, originally the BRICS was dominated by Sino-Indian differences. And now, with the growing base of members, geopolitical adversaries, i.e., Iran, Saudi Arabia, etc., are also standing on a common platform.

Pakistan’s stance toward the BRICS remains uncertain. With the US having labeled BRICS and its policies as anti-West, the strategic minds and the government authorities in Pakistan are gravitating towards a more prudent foreign policy, having better ties with the US and Western institutions, i.e., the IMF and WB. If not permanent membership, Pakistan must seek a dialogue partnership.

Despite expansion, the bloc’s growing internal contradictions risk undermining a unified geopolitical posture.

By adopting a neutral stance and having a balanced relationship with the West as well as the East, similar to India and Arab nations, Pakistan would gain much from the grouping. Most allies of Pakistan, such as Arab nations, Iran, and Central Asian nations, are becoming more interested in BRICS. If Pakistan becomes a part of it, it would be a milestone in its diplomatic journey, further cooperating with different entities.

The global stage is now moving towards multipolarity. Alternatives in international affairs are the corner stone of 21st-century global politics. Western-dominated groups are now confronting a grave flashback with increasing cooperation among the marginalized voices. And, forums like BRICS and SCO are giving them reasons to do so. Despite all this, BRICS is not free from acrimony and harsh realities. The Western-led order is still dominating world politics and will take years to disintegrate.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not represent the views, beliefs, or policies of the Stratheia.