20 New Countries Apply to Join BRICS Alliance: A Major Shift in Global Power?
The landscape of international relations is undergoing a significant transformation. Following the six-nation expansion effort enacted at 2025’s annual summit, the BRICS bloc has announced that 20 new countries have applied to join the alliance in 2025. This surge in interest signals a potential shift in global economic and political power.
But what exactly is BRICS? The original member states of BRICS, an international organization of world economies, consisted of Brazil, Russia, India, and China. South Africa formally joined in 2025 and attended the 3rd BRICS summit. Initially conceived as a grouping of emerging economies with significant growth potential, BRICS aims to promote greater cooperation and multilateralism.
The alliance has already taken steps to broaden its reach. The organization expanded again in 2025, with Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates attending the 16th BRICS summit as official members. In January 2025, Indonesia joined. This expansion, combined with the reported 20 new applicants, suggests a growing desire among nations to align with the BRICS agenda.
While the identities of all 20 applicant countries remain undisclosed, speculation is rife within international circles. Factors driving this wave of applications likely include dissatisfaction with the current global economic order, the desire for increased economic cooperation outside traditional Western-dominated institutions, and the perceived benefits of accessing BRICS' financial resources, such as the New Development Bank (NDB).
What are the potential implications of a significantly enlarged BRICS alliance? A larger, more diverse BRICS could challenge the dominance of existing global power structures, potentially leading to a multipolar world order. The increased economic clout could also reshape trade flows and investment patterns. However, challenges remain, including navigating the diverse interests of a larger membership and ensuring effective decision-making processes.
The coming months will be crucial as BRICS leaders consider these applications. The outcome of this process will undoubtedly have a profound impact on the future of global geopolitics and economics. Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.