Towards a multi-polar world: can BRICS, SCO serve as catalyst?

This article discusses the recent BRICS and SCO summits in October 2024, where both organizations highlighted the pursuit of a multipolar world order as a counterbalance to the US-led global structure. With leaders like Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasizing their vision of a multipolar world, the article examines how the combined influence of BRICS and SCO could reshape international power dynamics. The inclusion of new BRICS members such as Iran, UAE, and Saudi Arabia strengthens this alliance, showcasing the potential of the Global South to redefine global leadership away from Western dominance. The article further explores the strategic importance of these alliances, including their economic, security, and connectivity goals.

Overview

Dr. Moonis Ahmar provides insight into the strategic motivations behind BRICS and SCO’s pursuit of a multipolar world order. The summits revealed a collective intent among member nations to challenge Western dominance, particularly in the economic and geopolitical spheres. The article highlights that, while Russia and China spearhead this movement, other BRICS and SCO members also hold ambitions to counterbalance Western influence. Additionally, it discusses how ongoing global conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine, amplify the urgency for these countries to collaborate toward a more balanced world order.

NOTES

1. Analyze the historical context and purpose of BRICS and SCO as platforms for international cooperation.
2. Understand the concept of multipolarity and how BRICS and SCO aim to counteract the US-led order.
3. Examine the strategic goals of BRICS and SCO in promoting regional security, economic development, and connectivity.
4. Recognize the potential implications of expanding BRICS to include countries from the Global South.
5. Explore the economic and geopolitical impact of BRICS and SCO’s challenges to Western hegemony.

Relevance to CSS Subjects/Syllabus

• International Relations
• Pakistan Affairs
• Current Affairs
• Global Politics

Notes for Beginners with Examples

1. Multipolarity means multiple powers share influence in the global order, like how BRICS and SCO are expanding their roles to balance US influence.
2. Hegemony refers to a nation’s dominance over others. The US, for instance, has held significant hegemonic influence globally.
3. Connectivity in global politics involves linking economies and people, like the infrastructure projects promoted by BRICS to improve trade routes.
4. A strategic move is one planned to achieve a long-term goal. For example, the alliance between China and Russia in SCO reflects their strategic interests in challenging Western influence.

Facts and Figures:

• BRICS now represents over 40% of the world’s population and nearly 40% of global GDP.
• The 2024 BRICS Summit saw the expansion of its membership, welcoming nations from the Middle East and Africa.

To sum up, The article presents an in-depth look at how BRICS and SCO are positioning themselves as platforms for a multipolar world. By challenging the long-standing dominance of the West, these alliances underscore a shift in global power toward inclusivity and collective growth, led primarily by Russia and China. For CSS aspirants, understanding the dynamics of these alliances is essential for grasping important trends in international relations and analyzing the shifting landscape of global power.

Difficult Words and Meanings