Brazil Set to Host BRICS Summit Amid Geopolitical Sensitivities

• Brazil is hosting the BRICS summit amid ongoing tensions.
• The summit aims to address humanitarian crises with caution due to Trump.
• Notable absences include Xi Jinping and Putin for the summit.
• Brazil wants to keep the agenda focused on less controversial topics.
• The summit’s focus includes AI, climate change, and economic cohesion.

Brazil Hosts BRICS Summit Amid Rising Tensions

As Brazil prepares to host the upcoming BRICS Summit this weekend, there are key issues on the table, including the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and reactions to recent conflicts involving Israel and Iran. The members of the BRICS bloc, which consists of several developing economies, are expected to approach these topics with great caution. With the cloud of U.S. trade tariffs looming, particularly those imposed by President Trump, the member nations are likely hoping to stay out of his crosshairs. Analyst views suggest that this summit will prioritize a muted agenda to mitigate any potential backlash regarding these sensitive issues.

Key Leaders Skipping Out and Agenda Shifts

Notably absent from this year’s summit are leaders who often drive the discussions, most prominently China’s President Xi Jinping and Russia’s President Vladimir Putin. Xi is skipping the summit for the first time since taking office in 2012, while Putin is expected to participate via video link, staying clear of international travel due to an arrest warrant related to the ongoing Ukraine conflict. This changes the usual dynamic of BRICS talks, which traditionally have seen stronger postures and more direct conflict engagement, exemplified by last year’s meeting in Kazan, Russia, where the agenda included serious discussions about circumventing Western financial systems. In this summit, Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva aims to prioritize subjects like artificial intelligence and climate change, even though some see this as an attempt to downplay friction among member states.

Navigating Sensitive Topics at the Summit

Discussions surrounding language on critical issues such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are also reflective of the contrasting preferences among member countries. Brazil, in particular, wishes to keep the summit focused on more technical matters, cautioning against any provocative statements that might draw ire from the U.S. or exacerbate geopolitical tensions. Analysts believe a general consensus will be difficult to achieve given the absence of influential leaders like Xi and Putin, who previously advocated for a more aggressive stance against Western policies. It appears that Brazil is trying to navigate these complexities carefully, aiming for a final declaration that is both watered-down and widely palatable, particularly to avoid attracting unwanted attention from the Trump administration.

As Brazil takes on the role of the BRICS summit host, it faces the challenges of threading the needle between addressing critical global issues while avoiding confrontation with the U.S. The absence of key leaders underlines the diplomatic tightrope that members must walk, emphasizing the need for cohesive yet cautious dialogue. With the looming shadow of Trump’s tariffs over the proceedings, Brazil aims for a summit focused on collective resilience and less controversial collaboration.

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