BRICS Expansion, Global Power Shifts, and the Future of Economic Influence: A Research-Based Analysis.

BRICS Expansion, Global Power Shifts, and the Future of Economic Influence: A Research-Based Analysis

Introduction

The global order is undergoing a fundamental transformation. The traditional Western power structure—dominated by the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union—is increasingly challenged by emerging economies seeking greater representation in global governance. Among the most significant developments is the rise and expansion of BRICS, a bloc originally composed of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. With new members and expanding partnerships, BRICS is positioning itself as a counterweight to Western political, financial, and strategic dominance.

This article examines:

• Why European countries are not invited to join BRICS
• China’s strategy behind BRICS expansion
• The bloc’s influence on global power distribution
• Currency implications and efforts to challenge the Dollar/Euro/Pound
• How this shift may redefine global economic and political balance

1. Why BRICS Avoids European Countries

BRICS is structured as an alternative platform for emerging economies—not an extension of Western alliances. This design is intentional, for several reasons:

1.1 Western Unity and Strategic Alignment

The United States, United Kingdom, and most of Europe follow a common geopolitical and economic path. Their foreign policy, security strategies, and global interventions are closely aligned through:

• NATO
• European Union
• Transatlantic partnerships

The US remains a superpower partly because it is backed by Europe, while countries like Canada and Australia historically fall under the Western geopolitical orbit.

BRICS does not invite European nations because doing so would:

• Compromise the bloc’s non-Western identity
• Invite Western influence into a system designed to challenge Western dominance
• Undermine BRICS’ role as a platform for the “Global South”

1.2 BRICS Focuses on Emerging and Non-Western Economies

The priority of BRICS is to:

• Empower underrepresented economies
• Challenge Western institutions such as the IMF and World Bank
• Build a coalition independent from the Dollar-Euro system

Therefore, BRICS expansion targets:

• Africa
• the Middle East
• Asia
• Latin America

—not Europe.

2. China’s Strategy: Building a Global Counter-Bloc

China is the driving force behind BRICS expansion. Its ambitions go beyond political symbolism.

2.1 Creating the Largest Non-Western Alliance

China aims to establish:

• The biggest economic bloc in terms of population
• A diversified group controlling vast natural resources
• A political alliance capable of influencing global institutions

By uniting Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and other developing regions, China is building a global coalition outside Western control.

2.2 Reducing Dependence on America and Europe

China intends to:

• Reduce reliance on Western financial systems
• Minimize exposure to dollar-based sanctions
• Build “South-South cooperation” structures
• Promote a multipolar world

This strategy directly challenges the post-World War II Western financial architecture.

3. The Currency Question: Challenging the Dollar, Euro, and Pound

BRICS countries have already discussed:

• A BRICS reserve currency
• Increased use of local currencies in trade
• Reducing global dependence on the US Dollar

3.1 Motivation Behind a BRICS Currency

A shared currency—or even a stronger local currency settlement system—would:

• Protect BRICS nations from US financial sanctions
• Reduce transaction costs
• Strengthen intra-BRICS trade
• Challenge the dominance of the Dollar, Euro, and Pound

While a full “BRICS currency” is still under study, de-dollarization has already begun.

3.2 Foundations Already in Motion

BRICS countries are:

• Settling oil deals in Yuan, Ruble, and local currencies
• Growing the New Development Bank (NDB) as an alternative to the IMF
• Creating digital payment mechanisms

These steps indicate a systematic roadmap to financial independence.

4. Global Power Redistribution: From Unipolar to Multipolar

For decades, the world has been largely unipolar, with the US at the center. BRICS aims to reshape this structure.

4.1 The Western Power System

The US-led order relies on:

• Military alliances
• Dollar domination
• Control over global trade institutions
• Strategic support from Europe, UK, Canada, and Australia

4.2 The BRICS Counter-Model

The BRICS vision promotes:

• Multipolarity
• Independent decision-making
• Fair representation for developing countries
• Shared global governance

By expanding its membership, BRICS increases:

• Economic weight
• Political influence
• Global negotiating power

5. Potential Global Effects

5.1 Economic Impact

• Reduced dollar dependence could weaken US economic leverage
• New trade corridors may emerge in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East
• Commodity markets may shift towards BRICS currencies

5.2 Political Impact

• Power of Western institutions (G7, IMF, World Bank) may decline
• Emerging nations will gain a stronger voice in global affairs
• Diplomatic strategies may shift from unilateralism to shared governance

5.3 Strategic Impact

• Global alliances will diversify
• Small countries may gain leverage by balancing between BRICS and the West
• Geopolitical competition may intensify, especially in Africa and the Middle East

Conclusion

BRICS is no longer just an economic cooperation forum—it is becoming a global movement aiming to redistribute power and reshape the international order. By avoiding European countries and focusing on non-Western partners, the bloc maintains its identity as a counter-balance to Western hegemony.

China’s ambition to unite Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and the Global South under a strong economic alliance—possibly with a shared currency—signals a profound transformation in global politics. The rise of BRICS signifies the beginning of a multipolar world, where power is diversified and no single superpower can dominate international affairs alone.

The coming decades will determine whether BRICS becomes a genuine alternative to the Western-led system or a complementary force reshaping the global landscape.

Syed Ali Raza Naqvi Bukhari

Unity of Peace, Economic Reform, and Global Unity

Founder & Chairman of Tehreek Istehkam Pakistan, and the author of “Law of God” and “Social Democratic System.” Advocate for truth, social justice, and reform in all sectors of society.