Strategic construction of Brics countries from a geopolitical perspective

Abstract

This paper systematically traces the developmental trajectory of BRICS countries from conceptual inception to institutionalized cooperation and subsequent rounds of expansion, analyzing the logic and characteristics of their strategic construction alongside the evolution of their role in global governance. It argues that the BRICS nations’ identity and strategy emerged through interactions with the Western-dominated international order, representing a collective response to structural injustices and marginalization. As the BRICS mechanism evolves from an “economic cooperation platform” to a “comprehensive governance system,” its cooperation model exhibits distinct characteristics: pluralistic inclusivity, pragmatic functionality, flexible adaptability, and diverse resilience. The paper emphasizes that BRICS is not an anti-Western alliance but rather acts as a “reformer” to advance incremental reforms toward a more equitable and inclusive international order. Through functional cooperation such as the New Development Bank (NDB), Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA), and local currency settlement systems, the BRICS mechanism has enhanced developing countries’ economic autonomy and institutional voice. Moving forward, BRICS will continue attracting participation from the global South, advancing the formation of a multipolar order. It will leverage comparative advantages in sustainable development, green transition, and digital governance to forge a collaborative development pathway grounded in the “community with a shared future for mankind”.