By Emaan Fatima - Pakistan
Introduction
The emergence of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) as a formidable coalition of emerging economies has sparked debates about its potential implications for global power dynamics. Historically, Western hegemony has been characterised by economic, political, and cultural dominance, rooted in colonial legacies and post-World War II structures. However, the rise of BRICS as an intergovernmental organisation similar to that of ASEAN or the EU presents a complex narrative, challenging conventional notions of power. This reflective analysis explores the nuanced relationship between BRICS and Western hegemony, considering how BRICS policies might inadvertently contribute to the further development of Western dominance.
Historical Context of BRICS and Western Hegemony
In 2006, Brazil, Russia, India, and China created the "BRIC” group. South Africa joined in 2010, making it "BRICS." They bring together the world's most important developing countries to challenge the political and economic power of the wealthier nations of North America and Western Europe. Western hegemony, primarily of the USA, the UK and the EU, has long been entrenched in global affairs, shaped by centuries of colonial expansion, economic exploitation, and geopolitical dominance. Institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank have historically reflected Western interests, perpetuating unequal power relations in the global economic order. Meanwhile, Western cultural norms and values have often been exported worldwide through media, education, and cultural exchanges, further reinforcing Western cultural hegemony.
In contrast, the formation of BRICS challenges traditional western dominance. Comprising of major emerging economies from diverse regions, BRICS aims to promote multipolarity and equitable global governance. However, despite its aspirations to counter western hegemony, BRICS policies and initiatives may inadvertently reinforce existing power structures.
BRICS Economic Policies and Western Hegemony
BRICS economic policies have sought to promote trade, investment, and development among member countries, often in direct competition with Western-dominated institutions. Initiatives like the New Development Bank (NDB) and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) offer alternatives to Western-dominated financial institutions, signalling a shift in global economic governance. However, despite these efforts, BRICS economic policies may inadvertently strengthen western hegemony by perpetuating dependence on Western markets and financial systems.
According to renowned economist Joseph Stiglitz, while BRICS countries have made significant strides in challenging Western economic dominance, they still face structural barriers that limit their ability to reshape the global economic order. Stiglitz argues that entrenched power imbalances, coupled with neoliberal policies promoted by Western institutions, continue to favour Western interests at the expense of BRICS and other developing economies. Economists also argue that the BRICS bloc has no real achievements to showcase except banding together every year. Their activities have faced no significant impact on global affairs as the majority of the summits operate only as talk shops. The economic disparities among BRICS members can lead to imbalanced benefits from the group's initiatives. Larger economies like China tend to dominate decision-making, potentially marginalising smaller members and hindering equitable distribution of benefits.
Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed vulnerabilities in the global economy, exacerbating existing inequalities and highlighting the need for coordinated international responses. Despite calls for reforming global economic governance to address these challenges, Western hegemony remains largely intact, with Western powers exerting significant influence over key decision-making processes.
BRICS Political Diplomacy and Western Hegemony
In the realm of geopolitics, BRICS have pursued diplomatic initiatives which aimed to promote multipolarity and challenge Western-dominated geopolitical structures. However, despite its rhetoric of solidarity and cooperation, the BRICS have struggled to present a unified front on key geopolitical issues, reflecting divergent national interests and priorities among member countries. The annexation of Crimea by Russia in 2014 highlighted tensions within BRICS, with some members expressing support for Russia's actions, while others voiced concerns about sovereignty and territorial integrity. Similarly, disputes over maritime claims in the South China Sea have underscored divisions within BRICS, particularly between China and other member states.
Seeing as BRICS consists of some of the largest global powers who have the capacity to form the new international world order, the bloc has severe political motivations when shaping its policy. This is why in 2023, with all emerging economies rushing to join BRICS, of the six countries who were asked to join the summit, only Argentina declined, with the President Mr. Milei saying "Our geopolitical alignment is with the United States and Israel. We are not going to ally with communists." This is important to note since, within the same year, as of January 1, 2024; Saudi Arabia and Iran among other countries, joined the BRICS summit, turning the original BRICS to BRICS+. Despite having had sour spats in the past, these Gulf States established diplomatic relations with member countries, brokered by China. This left economists around the world in shock, who questioned the intentions of the BRICS and reported that such a move was a severe blow to BRICS’ single major competitor, the United States, who had a reputation for and were publicly known to have an inclination to exploiting the natural mineral and oil reserves of the Middle East.
As part of BRICS, the countries will contribute their great mineral and oil reserves to the bloc to shape its economy, and the BRICS currency, which is already backed by gold (and is reported to have the potential to destroy the monopoly held by the US dollar and US sanctions in the global economy, if it were to grow strong enough).
The well-established economic interest of Western economies in the natural reserves of the East leaves economists wondering if relations brokered across seas would result in the resources of the Gulf States being exploited to the benefit of the west or if it would lead to 'a rise of the underdog.’ The true motives behind these relations remain ambiguous. With rising tensions at home, waning influence in the Muslim world and strained relations with the United States, the Eastern economies may be putting on a pretence, clinging on to any chance of redemption, at making a comeback on the global forum as Minister of Economy Abdulla bin Touq al Marri said "We are not living in a Cold War ... joining the BRICs is not from a political stance, it's from an economic stance". It may also be highly likely that the Western powers will continue to make calculated moves to leverage off of the natural wealth of countries like Iran and Saudi Arabia. Thomas S. Warrick very well describes this as "neither the start of a new era, nor the end of one”, insinuating that the course taken by these relations is entirely unpredictable.
Moreover, BRICS nations have actively engaged in South-South Cooperation, offering aid and support to other developing regions. This approach challenges the traditional Western-centric model of aid driven by conditionalities. By providing assistance without political strings attached, BRICS countries can gradually reshape the global aid architecture. For instance, the BRICS nations have launched infrastructure development projects, such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which aims to connect Asia, Europe, and Africa through enhanced trade routes. These initiatives provide an alternative to western-dominated infrastructure projects and facilitate economic integration among participating nations.
BRICS Cultural Influence and Western Hegemony
Cultural exchange is another dimension through which BRICS countries seek to assert influence and challenge Western hegemony. By promoting cultural diplomacy, BRICS aims to foster mutual understanding, respect, and collaboration among member countries, while also projecting soft power on the global stage. Initiatives such as the BRICS Film Festival and the BRICS Cultural Summit provide platforms for showcasing the diverse cultural heritage and creative talents of member countries.
However, despite these efforts, Western cultural hegemony remains pervasive worldwide. Western media conglomerates dominate the global entertainment industry, shaping perceptions, values, and lifestyles on a global scale. Hollywood movies, American television shows, and Western pop music continue to enjoy widespread popularity and influence, overshadowing cultural products from BRICS countries and other regions.
Renowned cultural critic Edward Said has argued that Western cultural imperialism operates through subtle mechanisms of influence, perpetuating stereotypes, biases, and power dynamics that reinforce Western dominance. According to Said, the cultural products and narratives promoted by Western media often serve to justify and normalise Western hegemony, while marginalising alternative perspectives and voices. The Western powers have historically been reluctant to cede their dominant position in global affairs. They may employ various countermeasures, such as economic sanctions, trade barriers, and diplomatic pressure, to maintain their influence and undermine BRICS initiatives as they have already been doing.
Counterargument: Reshaping Western Hegemony through BRICS
While BRICS policies and initiatives may inadvertently contribute to the establishment of Western hegemony, it is important to consider alternative perspectives that highlight the potential for BRICS to challenge and reshape western dominance. Scholars like Arundhati Roy and Vandana Shiva have emphasised the importance of solidarity and cooperation among Global South countries in challenging Western hegemony and promoting alternative models of development.
BRICS countries have the potential to lead a global movement for justice, equity, and sustainability by championing the interests of the marginalised and disenfranchised. Similarly, Shiva advocates for a paradigm shift towards localised, sustainable development models that prioritise environmental conservation, social justice, and cultural diversity.
From a geopolitical standpoint, BRICS represents a significant challenge to traditional Western dominance, as it offers an alternative vision of global governance based on principles of multipolarity, equality, and mutual respect. By fostering South-South cooperation and solidarity, BRICS countries can amplify their collective voice on the global stage and advocate for reforms that address the needs and aspirations of the Global South.
Cross-Cultural Perspectives on BRICS and Western Hegemony
Perceptions of BRICS and Western hegemony vary across different regions and cultures, reflecting diverse historical experiences, geopolitical contexts, and socio-economic realities. In the Global South, BRICS is often viewed as a symbol of hope and empowerment, representing a counterbalance to western dominance and a pathway to greater autonomy and self-determination. According to a report by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), BRICS countries have made significant progress in reducing poverty, promoting economic growth, and advancing social development, thereby challenging traditional western narratives of development and progress. The report highlights the importance of South-South cooperation in addressing shared challenges and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on a global scale.
However, it is important to acknowledge that BRICS is not immune to criticism and internal contradictions. In recent years, concerns have been raised about the democratic deficits, human rights abuses, and environmental degradation associated with some BRICS member countries. Critics argue that BRICS should prioritise accountability, transparency, and social justice in its policies and practices to truly challenge western hegemony.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the relationship between BRICS and Western hegemony is complex and multifaceted, characterised by competing interests, power dynamics, and historical legacies. While BRICS policies and initiatives may inadvertently contribute to the establishment of western dominance in certain contexts, they also offer alternative pathways for challenging and reshaping western hegemony on the global stage.
By fostering economic cooperation, political solidarity, and cultural exchange among member countries, BRICS has the potential to amplify the voices and interests of the Global South, promoting greater equity, diversity, and multipolarity in international affairs. However, achieving this vision will require sustained efforts to address internal divisions, promote inclusive development, and uphold principles of justice and human rights.
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