The Magnetic Pull of BRICS

The document analyzes the factors driving the high demand for BRICS membership, introducing the concept of 'magnetic pull'—where ideas about development and systemic reform act as coalition magnets. It traces the group's expansion from South Africa's entry in 2010 to the 2023 enlargement (adding Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE) and the 2024 introduction of a 'Partner Country' category. While the group's appeal is rooted in South-South cooperation and de-dollarization, the author notes challenges to internal cohesion and the limits of its attraction, as seen in Argentina's rejection of membership.

• The author introduces the concept of 'magnetic pull' to explain BRICS' attraction, arguing it differs from traditional soft power by being rooted in 'ideas about development and future positioning' and driven by proactive outreach.
• BRICS' initial appeal was based on its economic credentials and a general promise of reforming the international system, whereas more recent growth is the result of systematic outreach strategies.
• South Africa's entry in 2010 was a geopolitical decision to include an African representative rather than a result of formal criteria, secured by South Africa's own active campaigning to be a 'gateway to the continent's economic potential'.
• The 2023 expansion added Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates, with members selected based on economic ties, energy resources, and interests in financial coordination such as 'de-dollarisation'.
• The 2024 Kazan summit introduced a 'Partner Country' category to manage expansion and avoid the issues associated with hesitant full members; 13 countries were reportedly invited under this category.
• The 'magnetic pull' of BRICS has limits, evidenced by Argentina's government rejecting membership due to concerns over 'economic benefits and ideological orientation' and Saudi Arabia's prolonged hesitation.

APA

Papa, M. (2024). The Magnetic Pull of BRICS. Africa Policy Research Institute. https://afripoli.org/the-magnetic-pull-of-brics

Chicago

Papa, Mihaela. The Magnetic Pull of BRICS. Africa Policy Research Institute, 2024. https://afripoli.org/the-magnetic-pull-of-brics.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Papa |first1=Mihaela |title=The Magnetic Pull of BRICS |publisher=Africa Policy Research Institute |date=3 December 2024 |url=https://afripoli.org/the-magnetic-pull-of-brics |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{papa2024magnetic, author = {Papa, Mihaela}, title = {{The Magnetic Pull of BRICS}}, institution = {Africa Policy Research Institute}, year = {2024}, month = dec, url = {https://afripoli.org/the-magnetic-pull-of-brics}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }