From Foreign Policy · Catherine Osborn · · 3m
Brazil's fading grip on BRICS
One year after hosting the summit, Brazil struggles to steer the bloc as it expands and grows more radical.
In brief
One year after hosting the summit, Brazil struggles to steer the bloc as it expands and grows more radical. Brazil's influence over BRICS is weakening as the bloc expands and becomes more anti-Western, threatening its vision of a rules-based multipolar world. Originally reported by Foreign Policy.
BRICS deepens despite demands unmet
The New Delhi summit showed the bloc strengthening economically even as long-standing goals like UN Security Council reform stall. BRICS launched its own development bank and expanded membership.
Iran's president makes rare trip
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian attended the summit, marking his furthest international travel since the Iran war began in February. The UAE also sent its crown prince.
Brazil lost control after expansion
BRICS grew from five to nine members in 2024, with Indonesia joining in 2025. Brazil opposed the expansion, fearing it would lose influence and cohesion with the addition of anti-Western Iran.
Brazil wants rules, not revolution
Like India, Brazil seeks a reformist BRICS that respects international law. Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira said Brazil opposes a world of spheres of influence.
“a multipolar world that promises peace and prosperity must not be confused with a world of spheres of influence”
Brazil kept climate on the agenda
The BRICS summit declaration reaffirmed support for the UN system and Paris climate agreement, going further than the G-7's recent statements.
Words matter when systems are threatened
Though BRICS endorsements are not binding, Russia's agreement to acknowledge UN legitimacy signals hope for the world body's future when both the UN and climate action face attacks.
Brazil's window is closing fast
Brazilian elections on October 4 could shift the country's BRICS strategy. Far-right candidate Flávio Bolsonaro has strong polling and his camp has a record of UN-bashing and climate denial.
Latin America backs democracy more
Support for democracy in the region rose to 65 percent from 59 percent in 2023, driven by improvements in crime, corruption, and economic well-being.
Views of China improving in region
Latin Americans now view China more favorably than the United States, a shift from Washington's historical role as democracy's champion. Trump's administration has deprioritized democracy promotion.
Panama Canal facing drought crisis
El Niño-driven drought is forcing Panama to cut daily ship transits by 18 percent starting in October. Transit prices are climbing to record highs as Asian importers reroute shipments due to the Iran war.
Patricio Guzmán dies at 85
Chile's legendary documentary filmmaker died Tuesday. His three-part series The Battle of Chile chronicled the 1973 coup against Salvador Allende and won international acclaim.
“A country that does not have documentary films is like a family without a photo album”
Guzmán captured coup as it happened
Guzmán was filming in Santiago when the 1973 coup occurred. He smuggled film negatives abroad, but cinematographer Jorge Müller was detained and disappeared during the dictatorship.
Guatemala's fuel crisis sparks unrest
Demonstrators have blocked highways for over a week protesting gas prices exceeding $6 per gallon. President Bernardo Arévalo's price cap decree was blocked by opposition lawmakers.
Trump undermined Guatemala's reformer
The Trump administration boosted candidacies of judges accused of corruption, undermining President Arévalo's anti-corruption agenda. Arévalo now has the lowest approval rating among Latin American leaders.
What matters most
Brazil's influence over BRICS is weakening as the bloc expands and becomes more anti-Western, threatening its vision of a rules-based multipolar world.
