BRICS, initially formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has expanded its influence by including additional countries, and the term BRICS+ refers to this expanded group. The inclusion of countries from different regions of the world—such as the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America—has made BRICS a more significant player in global geopolitics and economics. Recently, European countries have started to engage more actively with BRICS+, signifying a deeper shift in global media cooperation and economic interaction.
A recent article on European countries joining the international information exchange via TV BRICS published in The Tribune highlights the growing diplomatic and media ties between European nations and BRICS+ members. This development reflects both the desire of European countries to tap into the growing influence of BRICS+ and the bloc’s appeal as an alternative to Western-dominated global systems. This analysis will explore the motivations, implications, and challenges of European countries’ involvement in BRICS+ by referencing
- 1. Strategic Significance of European Countries in BRICS+
The integration of European nations in the BRICS+ framework is strategically significant for several reasons. One of the main aspects is the role of media cooperation in strengthening ties between BRICS+ countries and Europe. European countries have increasingly participated in the TV BRICS International Media Network, which has facilitated communication, collaboration, and the sharing of information between these regions.
This media collaboration serves as a platform to foster diplomatic relations and cultural exchange between the traditionally Western-dominated Europe and the emerging economies of BRICS+. European countries, which have historically had a significant role in shaping global narratives, see this as an opportunity to influence the dialogue within the expanding BRICS+ bloc. The media cooperation emphasizes not only the exchange of news but also a cultural bridge, making the partnership more holistic and robust.
- Key Motivations for European Countries’ Engagement:
– Diversification of Alliances: European countries are seeking to diversify their geopolitical and economic alliances amid growing tensions with the U.S. and the European Union’s internal challenges.
– Counteracting the U.S. Influence: As the U.S. maintains global hegemony, European countries might aim to reduce dependency on American-led systems and frameworks.
– Economic Growth and Connectivity: BRICS+ countries offer large, fast-growing markets and vital natural resources, which European countries are keen to tap into.
- 2. The Role of Media in Strengthening BRICS+ Cooperation
The TV BRICS International Media Network, which is a platform through which countries in BRICS+ share news and information, has become a cornerstone for enhanced cooperation. This network extends beyond typical media relations, offering a shared information ecosystem that can impact political, economic, and social dynamics.
– Media Collaboration as a Soft Power Strategy: For European countries, engaging in the TV BRICS Network can serve as a way to extend their soft power. By engaging in the international exchange of information, European nations have the opportunity to shape global narratives on topics that affect them, such as climate change, migration, and global trade.
– Public Diplomacy and Influence: European nations can use this platform for public diplomacy, influencing public perception in BRICS+ countries and promoting European values on key international issues like human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.
- 3. Challenges for European Countries in Joining BRICS+ Media Cooperation
Despite the promising opportunities, there are several challenges that European countries face in solidifying ties within BRICS+.
– Geopolitical Divergences: The political ideologies of many BRICS+ countries, especially Russia and China, are often at odds with the European Union’s democratic values. Navigating this ideological divide poses a challenge for European nations, particularly in their efforts to maintain a balance between cooperation and competition.
– Competition with Western Alliances: European countries are still heavily embedded in Western alliances, particularly NATO and the European Union. Balancing these relationships while engaging with BRICS+ could create conflicting interests, especially regarding issues like military cooperation and trade agreements.
– Economic Disparities: The economic priorities of European countries may differ from those of BRICS+ members. For instance, trade liberalization and local currency use within BRICS+ can diverge from the more traditional European preference for the euro and Western financial systems.
- 4. Opportunities for Growth and Influence through BRICS+
While there are significant challenges, the opportunities for European countries to deepen their engagement with BRICS+ are vast.
- Economic and Trade Cooperation
BRICS+ represents a huge portion of global economic activity, and European countries can benefit from stronger trade ties, particularly in energy, infrastructure, and technology. Countries like Germany, France, and Italy are already engaged in trade deals and investment projects within the BRICS+ framework, especially in Brazil, China, and India.
– Renewable Energy: European countries, especially those heavily invested in green energy technologies, can benefit from partnerships in the renewable energy sector with BRICS+ countries. This can create opportunities for collaboration on sustainable infrastructure projects and energy transition strategies.
– Technology Transfer and Innovation: Europe’s tech industries can collaborate with China and India on cutting-edge technologies like AI, blockchain, and 5G, which are increasingly becoming focal points of BRICS+ cooperation.
- Political Influence and Global Governance
As BRICS+ seeks to reshape global governance and challenge the influence of traditional powers, European countries can use their strategic relationships within the group to shape key international policies in areas like climate action, global trade, and digital governance. The European Union’s influence in this area can enhance BRICS+ efforts to reform global institutions like the United Nations and World Trade Organization.
- 5. Conclusion: A New Era of Engagement for European Countries with BRICS+
The increasing participation of European countries in BRICS+ reflects a shift in global geopolitics, as European nations seek to diversify their alliances and influence within this growing bloc. While media cooperation through platforms like TV BRICS offers opportunities for diplomatic engagement and the shaping of global narratives, the challenges posed by geopolitical divides and economic disparities cannot be ignored.
For European countries, the success of this engagement depends on their ability to balance their traditional alliances with their new relationships within BRICS+. If managed well, this engagement could lead to enhanced trade ties, more sustainable economic partnerships, and a stronger influence in the global governance framework, especially in the context of BRICS+’s expanding power and influence.
Alireza Mohammadi
Global Order Expert
House of Wisdom