Beyond the West: BRICS as a Catalyst for South-South Cooperation

The BRICS economic bloc is poised to welcome six new members in 2024, marking a notable evolution in its global role and representation. In this context, Hertie School and the Observer Research Foundation - Kolkata are hosting a panel discussion titled “Beyond the West: BRICS as a Catalyst for South-South Cooperation” to explore the implications of this expansion. 

The discussion aims to assess how the BRICS nations contribute to the global economic and political landscape. Special focus will be given to the inclusion of Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, examining how their membership may redefine BRICS' contribution to international affairs, particularly in the context of the Global South. The panel will seek to explore the following questions:

• What are the potential synergies and challenges arising from this expansion within the frameworks of South-South cooperation?
• How will the new BRICS landscape impact global energy politics, economic cooperation, and broader geopolitical dynamics?
• How can the expanded BRICS have an adaptive strategy for engaging with other developing countries to foster trade ties and attract capital investments?
• How can the effectiveness of BRICS be enhanced in complementing the existing bilateral and multilateral relations between member states?