Brazil Hosts BRICS Summit, Focuses on Economic Stability

• Brazil hosts BRICS summit focusing on trade and climate change.
• President Xi Jinping and Putin’s absence raises concerns over coherence.
• The summit aims to avoid controversial topics amid U.S. tensions.
• Brazil seeks to minimize risks from Trump’s potential tariffs.
• Emerging economies are looking for alternatives to Western partnerships.

Concerns Over BRICS Cohesion Amidst Expanded Membership

Brazil will host an important summit for the BRICS group of emerging economies on Sunday and Monday, where urgent issues are up for discussion. Notably, topics such as Israel’s military actions against Iran, the ongoing humanitarian troubles in Gaza, and trade tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump will be approached with great caution. Analysts and diplomats have voiced concerns over the lack of unity within an expanded BRICS, which doubled in size just last year, suggesting that this discord could hinder the bloc’s aspirations to establish itself as a significant player on the global stage.

High-profile Absences Make for Cautious Discussions

With Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at the helm, priorities such as artificial intelligence and climate change will prominently feature in the discussions. However, some notable leaders will be conspicuously absent. For the first time since taking office in 2012, China’s President Xi Jinping will not attend the summit, and Russian President Vladimir Putin will only participate through videoconference. Putin’s reluctance to travel abroad, primarily due to an international arrest warrant linked to the Ukraine conflict, highlights the complex geopolitical landscape surrounding the summit. The anticipated discussions are likely to tread carefully on sensitive topics, with some attendees suggesting a push for more assertive language regarding Gaza and the situation with Iran.

Brazil’s Strategy: Keep the Summit Low-Key

The overall tone of the summit in Rio de Janeiro markedly contrasts with the previous year’s gathering in Russia, which aimed to explore alternatives to U.S.-led financial systems amid sanctions. A source involved in negotiations revealed that several BRICS members are expressing interest in more assertive language regarding current international crises, yet Brazil is striving to maintain a technical focus. Observers expect an ambiguous final declaration concerning Russia’s actions and conflicts in the Middle East, largely influenced by the absence of Xi and Putin, who have pushed for more aggressive stances. Brazil hopes to produce three joint statements and a final declaration that remain detached from geopolitical tensions, signaling its intention to sidestep controversies that might attract unwanted attention from the Trump administration.

Brazil’s Strategic Aims Amid Trump Tensions

The Brazilian government has identified six strategic priorities for the summit, emphasizing healthcare cooperation, trade, investment, climate change, governance of artificial intelligence, conflict resolution, and institutional development. With geopolitical tensions rising, Brazil aims to navigate these waters carefully, focusing on less contentious subjects to ensure collective progress. The Brazilian economy remains vulnerable, particularly in the face of Trump’s threatened tariff increases directed at BRICS nations, which has intensified domestic calls for caution. Professor Ana Garcia notes that Brazil aims to minimize risks to its economic growth and avoid antagonizing the Trump administration in any way.

Notable Absences Raise Questions for BRICS

A quick look at the attending member nations shows some significant absences that illustrate the challenges facing BRICS. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi have opted not to attend, despite their countries joining the bloc last year. Saudi Arabia is also a variable in the mix, having been invited but as of yet not confirmed its participation. The expanded membership has prompted Brazil to focus on internal cohesion in order to better integrate the newer members into the existing framework.

Summit as a Crucial Opportunity for Emerging Markets

Despite the notable absences from this year’s summit, experts emphasize the importance of the event in the context of ongoing economic uncertainty triggered by Trump’s tariff policies. Bruce Scheidl, a researcher at the University of Sao Paulo, underscores that this summit represents a critical chance for emerging markets to proactively explore alternative partnerships. For President Lula, the summit not only offers some respite from increasing domestic challenges and declining popularity, but it also serves as a platform to push for advancement on climate commitments ahead of November’s COP 30 climate negotiations scheduled in Belem.

In summary, the BRICS summit in Brazil is set against a backdrop of geopolitical caution, notable leader absences, and potential economic implications stemming from U.S. tariffs. The discussions are likely to prioritize non-controversial issues while navigating critical global concerns, highlighting the struggle for cohesion within the expanded grouping. As Brazil seeks to facilitate dialogue amidst uncertainty, the summit may still provide avenues for emerging economies to strengthen their positions.

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