The 16th BRICS Summit is set to take place from October 22 to 24 in Kazan, Russia, marking the first meeting since the organization expanded its membership. In a recent roundtable discussion held in Moscow, several Russian experts and scholars shared their insights on the development prospects and advantages of BRICS in economic, political, social, and cultural contexts.
Boris Mezhuev, a political scholar from Moscow State University’s Department of Philosophy, emphasized that BRICS unites countries with diverse political systems, economic structures, and cultural traditions, reflecting the idea of multipolarity. He believes that BRICS members are united by a shared understanding of sovereignty and individual development, making it a genuine platform for equal economic and political dialogue.
Alexey Marinin, a member of the Russian “Digoria” expert club and co-founder of the International Center for Exchange and Cooperation, described BRICS as a development-oriented association of countries. He clarified that BRICS is not an “anti-West” entity, as its members may also belong to other international or regional organizations. Rather than fostering confrontation or geopolitical conflicts, BRICS aims to offer opportunities for economic, political, and cultural development across nations. Marinin stated that the concept of global multipolarity is not merely theoretical but manifested in tangible initiatives, such as the establishment of new trade routes and dialogue platforms for cultural exchanges and infrastructure projects. He expressed confidence that BRICS will overcome challenges and grow stronger, ultimately enhancing the representation and voice of the Global South and playing a more significant role in the reform and improvement of the global governance system.
Alexandra Morozkina, deputy director of the World Economy and Politics Department at the National Research University Higher School of Economics, highlighted one of BRICS’s key achievements: the establishment of the New Development Bank. This institution plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable development and mobilizing resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS and other developing countries. Its significance in advancing sustainable development continues to grow.
