“You won’t let anyone enter G7, so we formed BRICS,” External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar asserted during his recent address at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy. This statement not only highlights the strategic intent behind the formation of BRICS but also reflects the broader dynamics at play between major global groupings.
The Strategic Formation of BRICS
In his address, Jaishankar articulated that the BRICS bloc was established as a direct response to the exclusivity of the G7. The G7, which includes seven of the world’s most advanced economies, has long been criticized for its lack of inclusivity and its refusal to admit emerging economies. This exclusivity, Jaishankar suggested, created a significant gap that BRICS sought to address.
The formation of BRICS—comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—was driven by a desire to create a more inclusive and representative international forum. The group’s objective is to provide a platform for emerging economies to have a greater say in global affairs and to offer alternative perspectives that are often overshadowed by the G7’s dominant narratives.
Jaishankar emphasized that BRICS was not merely a reactionary measure but a proactive strategy to fill a void left by the G7. Over time, the BRICS grouping has gained substantial traction, with the recent expansion decision highlighting its growing influence.
The expansion, which was decided during the Johannesburg summit in South Africa last year, effectively doubled the number of member countries, showcasing the increased global interest in the bloc.
You Won’t Let Anyone Enter G7, So We Formed BRICS :
#WATCH | Geneva Centre for Security Policy | When asked why BRICS and if it would expand, EAM Dr S Jaishankar says, "…There was another club called G7 and you won't let anyone else enter the club. So we went on to form our club…As it started it gained a life of its own over… pic.twitter.com/rGUplLp1kM
— ANI (@ANI) September 12, 2024
The G7 and BRICS: A Comparative Perspective
The G7’s continued operation alongside the G20 and BRICS raises important questions about the roles and relevance of these groupings. Jaishankar’s remarks You won’t let anyone enter G7 highlight a critical observation: despite the formation of the G20, the G7 has not ceased to exist or disband. The G7 continues to meet regularly, reflecting its ongoing influence and relevance in global economic discussions.
The G20, established in 1999, includes a broader spectrum of countries, representing both developed and developing economies. Its creation was aimed at fostering international cooperation on economic issues. However, the G7, with its focus on major advanced economies, retains its significance in shaping global policies and decisions.
Jaishankar’s point You won’t let anyone enter G7 about the G7’s persistence despite the G20’s existence underscores a broader issue of overlapping global forums. If multiple groupings can coexist, it raises the question of why BRICS and the G20 cannot both exist alongside the G7.
This perspective challenges the notion that the rise of BRICS or the existence of the G20 necessarily diminishes the relevance of the G7.
The Global Enthusiasm for BRICS
Jaishankar’s comments You won’t let anyone enter G7 also touched on the growing global enthusiasm for BRICS. The bloc’s recent expansion is a testament to its increasing importance and the desire of many countries to be part of it.
The expansion decision, made during the Johannesburg summit, was a significant milestone for BRICS, reflecting its evolving role in international relations.
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The interest in BRICS has been driven by its ability to offer a platform for diverse voices and perspectives. As Jaishankar noted, many countries now see value in being associated with BRICS, which has gained a life of its own over time.
This growing enthusiasm highlights the shifting dynamics in global diplomacy and the changing landscape of international cooperation.
Jaishankar’s comments You won’t let anyone enter G7 also reflect a broader trend of nations seeking alternative forums to address global challenges. The rise of BRICS, alongside existing groupings like the G7 and G20, illustrates the complexity and diversity of the global diplomatic landscape.
It also signifies a move towards a more multipolar world, where various groupings and alliances play significant roles in shaping international policies.
“You won’t let anyone enter G7, so we formed BRICS” encapsulates the essence of Jaishankar’s remarks about the strategic motivations behind the formation of BRICS.
His statement You won’t let anyone enter G7 not only critiques the exclusivity of the G7 but also highlights the growing significance of BRICS in the global arena. As BRICS continues to expand and gain influence, it challenges the traditional power structures and introduces new dynamics into international relations.
The ongoing evolution of BRICS, alongside the G7 and G20, reflects the complexities of global diplomacy and the quest for more inclusive and representative forums. Jaishankar’s comments You won’t let anyone enter G7 serve as a reminder of the shifting balance in international relations and the need for diverse voices in global discussions.