The Magnetic Pull of BRICS

This research paper analyzes the 'magnetic pull' of BRICS, exploring why non-member states seek to join the informal group. It argues that while initial appeal was based on economic credentials and promises of systemic reform, the group has transitioned toward more strategic outreach. The author examines the evolution of BRICS through its 2010 and 2023 expansions and the 2024 Kazan summit, highlighting the role of 'compound soft power' and the challenges of maintaining internal cohesion amidst rapid growth.

• The author introduces the concept of 'magnetic pull' to explain BRICS' attraction, distinguishing it from traditional soft power. This pull is rooted in ideas regarding development and future positioning, functioning as a 'coalition magnet' that attracts diverse nations seeking to reform Western-dominated global structures.
• BRICS' initial appeal was driven by its status as a group of fast-growing economies and its mandate to create a more multipolar, democratic international order. South Africa's 2010 entry was a result of its own successful campaigning to be Africa's political representative rather than a systematic outreach program by the original BRIC members.
• The 2023 expansion marked a shift toward proactive outreach and the establishment of specific membership criteria. These criteria included UN membership, support for multilateralism, commitment to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and a policy of only imposing sanctions authorized by the UN Security Council.
• New members joined BRICS primarily for economic reasons, including trade, investment, and the pursuit of 'de-dollarisation'. For example, Egypt sought to use local currencies for commodities trade to manage inflation and debt, while Iran aimed to weaken sanctions and reduce dollar dependence.
• The 2024 Kazan summit introduced a 'Partner Country' category to manage expansion and avoid the issues seen with hesitant full members like Argentina and Saudi Arabia. Thirteen countries were reportedly invited as partners, including Nigeria, Indonesia, and Turkey.
• Despite high demand, BRICS faces challenges regarding internal cohesion and the limits of its appeal. Some invited nations, such as Argentina, rejected membership due to ideological and economic concerns, and Brazil vetoed Venezuela's application based on election concerns.

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} }