Today, the Valdai Club hosted a fascinating event centered around the unveiling of a new report titled "Evolution of the BRICS Value Platform". Authored by Oleg Barabanov, the Programme Director of the Valdai Discussion Club, this report delves deep into the evolving principles and shared values that underpin the BRICS alliance of leading nations from the Global non-West and South.
The report sheds light on how BRICS has consistently emphasized its identity as a symbolic alternative on the global stage while maintaining that its activities are not directed against any third countries. Unlike the G20, where a unified value platform between Western and non-Western nations is absent, BRICS has placed significant importance on formulating its own set of shared values.
Intriguingly, the articulation of these BRICS value priorities has undergone a dialectical evolution, shifting from one summit to the next as each chairing country has highlighted its own national priorities. This has resulted in the current BRICS value set being an amalgamation of diverse national values that complement each other without necessarily being entirely identical. This stands in stark contrast to the G7's classic liberal triad of "freedom – democracy – human rights".
The report pinpoints a notable consolidation of BRICS value priorities between 2022 and 2024 within the established framework of the "BRICS spirit". At its core, this spirit encompasses values such as mutual respect, mutual understanding, sovereign equality, solidarity, openness, inclusiveness, consensus, strengthening collaboration, and democracy.
The presentation event itself brought together several key figures, including Marco Fernandes, Editor at Wenhua Zongheng International and Geopolitical Analyst at Brasil de Fato (Brazil). And here's where things got particularly interesting for those who follow the nuances of BRICS expansion. Our Anastasia, representing our channel Think BRICS, was present and seized the opportunity to raise a question that has been on the minds of many – the potential inclusion of Venezuela in the BRICS framework.
Referencing Brazil's surprising veto against Venezuela joining BRICS at the Kazan summit in October, reportedly due to post-election tensions and concerns over Maduro's handling of affairs, Anastasia posed a direct and pertinent question to Marco Fernandes: "Could Brazil's position change under its 2025 chairmanship? And if so, what diplomatic or political conditions might make this happen?".
Marco Fernandes' response revealed a personal disagreement with his government's decision, stating, "I think Venezuela should be part of BRICS now. I think it would be strategic not only for BRICS, but also for the integration of South America". He further highlighted a mobilization within Brazilian civil society pushing for the suspension of the veto and suggested that Venezuela embodies the "BRICS spirit," echoing President Maduro's sentiments.
This exchange underscores the dynamic and often debated nature of BRICS expansion, particularly the criteria and political considerations that come into play. Anastasia's pointed question, directed at a representative from a key BRICS nation currently holding the chair, highlights the ongoing discussions and potential shifts in the geopolitical landscape of this influential global alliance.
The report's detailed analysis of the evolution of BRICS values provides a crucial backdrop for understanding these expansion debates, hinting at the underlying principles that may or may not align with prospective member states.
If you want to watch the entire discussion visit the Valdai Club Website.
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