BRICS and the Shift in Global Power Dynamics: Implications for Pakistan

Nasrullah Khadim
The world has been changing at an unprecedented pace since the last decade, with global powers standing at a crossroads. The global power is shifting from unipolarity to multipolarity, with China at the helm of economic growth. Amidst this, Pakistan seems to be standing nowhere. The country is ensnared with unending problems, ranging from politics to economics. Despite being blessed with a geostrategic location, the country has failed to harness it. Given the shift from global north to global south, many countries have shown their tilt towards block politics. The rise of block politics is a significant threat to the US’s global hegemony. BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) is a major regional group challenging the west-led world. According to Zbigniew Brzezinski’s seminal work, “The Grand Chessboard,” control of Eurasia is crucial for global dominance, as it allows for the manipulation of global politics and economies. In essence, Brzezinski’s theory posits that the nation that dominates the Eurasian heartland will ultimately shape the course of world events. As a UK-based war analyst astutely observed, “The power dynamics of the world are shifting eastward, and the nation that controls this region will hold significant sway over global affairs.” The world is turning its eye towards the east now. China, being the giant in the region, holds immense leverage over it. The country has invested a huge amount in the East through the Belt Road Initiative project (BRI). India is also an emerging economy in the region, leveraging its geostrategic and demographic potential effectively. According to a report by the International Monetary Fund, India has witnessed 7% economic growth this year, which is quite remarkable. Amidst this dynamic scene, BRICS is rapidly growing in the region, offering tremendous opportunities for its member states. Iran, being an oil-rich country, offers lucrative offers to member countries to import oil. Brazil has sufficient agricultural potential to provide for its member states. According to IMF reports 2023, BRICS countries contribute nearly 31% to the world’s total GDP, expected to rise by 40% in 2040. The question arises: why does Pakistan lag behind in leveraging the regional block of emerging markets? Why has it failed to join so far? The answer is simple: the country is engulfed with internal and external issues. Pakistan looks polarized internally, a massive hurdle in aspiring to join BRICS. The political landscape is horrendous, with political parties constantly skirmishing. The recently held election strained Pakistan’s image globally. The U.S. Department of State expressed concerns over electoral abuse and violence. India, an arch-rival of Pakistan, will never show willingness to Pakistan’s aspiration to join BRICS. It is a founding member of BRICS and has sabotaged Pak-China relations. To join BRICS, Pakistan needs to take robust steps to meet the criteria. The first step is to make its desire to join BRICS vigorous. The foreign office needs to constantly engage with BRICS countries, making them realize Pakistan’s potential for cooperation. The government can also seek the adherence of China and Russia, which are in cordial relations with Pakistan. The world order is changing rapidly, with regional block politics accelerating and the US’s hegemony being challenged. The emergence of BRICS is a manifestation of this. Pakistan needs to look meticulously at global developments and awake from its profound slumber. Being located at the center of emerging markets, Pakistan can leverage the edge of BRICS if it overcomes internal challenges and addresses India’s nefarious intentions.