he BRICS summit will convene on 06 July. The BRICS bloc is increasingly seen as an alternative to Western institutions, at a time when those institutions are straining. But what should be a momentum–gaining gathering could be more complicated than expected.
CONTEXT
As BRICS convenes this Sunday, the recently–expanded bloc could be in for some turbulence. BRICS has made multilateralism key to its agenda for its presidency—specifically a turn toward broader cooperation with the whole of the Global South and development partnerships within BRICS. The sentiment has drawn praise among observers from BRICS countries, yet could be complicated by what may be drastically varying views on the Iran–Israel war among the expanded BRICS membership. At a time when the bloc is apparently trying to establish alternatives to existing institutions members feel don’t serve them, this could prove a significant obstacle.
WHAT’S ON THE AGENDA
Heading in to what could be a crucial BRICS summit, here’s what to expect:
The official agenda outlines six thematic goals Brazil is pursuing. These include calls for greater health development across BRICS members, economic governance and reform, a BRICS strategy on climate change, AI governance, global reform of the multilateral security architecture, and improving the cohesion of BRICS institutions. But that’s not the whole story.
Disagreements over how to approach the Iran–Israel war could become complicated. In late June, BRICS released a carefully negotiated statement on the Iran–Israel conflict. The negotiations were delicate, and ended with a statement that doesn’t name the U.S. or Israel, which could indicate disagreement among BRICS members on how to approach the conflict. It also likely reflects Brazil’s uniquely cautious approach to BRICS activities this year, but if the conflict deepens disagreements within BRICS could become a problem. Experts at the Chatham House suggest those problems could start as soon as this summit. Another BRICS joint statement is expected at the summit, but it will likely reinforce the June statement.
Dedollarization is core to BRICS’ economic strategy, and that seemingly remains true here. Reports recently arose of the launch of a new initiative, backed by the New Development Bank, which is intended to bolster global investment in member states by building resilience against market uncertainty. Little is publicly known about what this initiative will look like, but sources told Reuters that Brazil views this as the centerpiece of the BRICS financial agenda.
Brazil seeks internal BRICS cohesion, de–escalation externally. Some observers are praising Brazil’s more pragmatic, cautious strategy to this year’s BRICS agenda, with a view toward easing tensions—both within BRICS membership and with the West—being embedded in all parts of its agenda. However, experts at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace suggest internal tensions could be too severe, hampering Brazil’s efforts.
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
- BRICS, throughout their history, have managed to speak with one voice on major international issues, and there’s no reason why that shouldn’t be the case this time on the subject of the Middle East. Brazil’s Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira.
- We're anticipating a summit with a cautious tone: it will be difficult to mention the United States by name in the final declaration…[China, for example] is trying to adopt a restrained position on the Middle East. BRICS Policy Center director Marta Fernandez.
- This is a politically significant guarantee instrument. It sends a message that BRICS is alive, working on solutions, strengthening the NDB and responding to today's global needs. Anonymous source, to Reuters, about the “centerpiece” initiative.
- As the United States steps back from multilateralism, from the economic and social order which they themselves created after the second world war, the space for the BRICS increases. Brazil’s presidential foreign policy adviser Celso Amorim.
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BRICS leans into multilateralism as internal rifts show
July 5, 2025
BRICS members are set to convene in Brazil for the 17th BRICS summit, at a time when Western institutions are under immense pressure. Diplomatic Courier’s Shane Szarkowski breaks down what to expect at the gathering.
T
he BRICS summit will convene on 06 July. The BRICS bloc is increasingly seen as an alternative to Western institutions, at a time when those institutions are straining. But what should be a momentum–gaining gathering could be more complicated than expected.
CONTEXT
As BRICS convenes this Sunday, the recently–expanded bloc could be in for some turbulence. BRICS has made multilateralism key to its agenda for its presidency—specifically a turn toward broader cooperation with the whole of the Global South and development partnerships within BRICS. The sentiment has drawn praise among observers from BRICS countries, yet could be complicated by what may be drastically varying views on the Iran–Israel war among the expanded BRICS membership. At a time when the bloc is apparently trying to establish alternatives to existing institutions members feel don’t serve them, this could prove a significant obstacle.
WHAT’S ON THE AGENDA
Heading in to what could be a crucial BRICS summit, here’s what to expect:
The official agenda outlines six thematic goals Brazil is pursuing. These include calls for greater health development across BRICS members, economic governance and reform, a BRICS strategy on climate change, AI governance, global reform of the multilateral security architecture, and improving the cohesion of BRICS institutions. But that’s not the whole story.
Disagreements over how to approach the Iran–Israel war could become complicated. In late June, BRICS released a carefully negotiated statement on the Iran–Israel conflict. The negotiations were delicate, and ended with a statement that doesn’t name the U.S. or Israel, which could indicate disagreement among BRICS members on how to approach the conflict. It also likely reflects Brazil’s uniquely cautious approach to BRICS activities this year, but if the conflict deepens disagreements within BRICS could become a problem. Experts at the Chatham House suggest those problems could start as soon as this summit. Another BRICS joint statement is expected at the summit, but it will likely reinforce the June statement.
Dedollarization is core to BRICS’ economic strategy, and that seemingly remains true here. Reports recently arose of the launch of a new initiative, backed by the New Development Bank, which is intended to bolster global investment in member states by building resilience against market uncertainty. Little is publicly known about what this initiative will look like, but sources told Reuters that Brazil views this as the centerpiece of the BRICS financial agenda.
Brazil seeks internal BRICS cohesion, de–escalation externally. Some observers are praising Brazil’s more pragmatic, cautious strategy to this year’s BRICS agenda, with a view toward easing tensions—both within BRICS membership and with the West—being embedded in all parts of its agenda. However, experts at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace suggest internal tensions could be too severe, hampering Brazil’s efforts.
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
- BRICS, throughout their history, have managed to speak with one voice on major international issues, and there’s no reason why that shouldn’t be the case this time on the subject of the Middle East. Brazil’s Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira.
- We're anticipating a summit with a cautious tone: it will be difficult to mention the United States by name in the final declaration…[China, for example] is trying to adopt a restrained position on the Middle East. BRICS Policy Center director Marta Fernandez.
- This is a politically significant guarantee instrument. It sends a message that BRICS is alive, working on solutions, strengthening the NDB and responding to today's global needs. Anonymous source, to Reuters, about the “centerpiece” initiative.
- As the United States steps back from multilateralism, from the economic and social order which they themselves created after the second world war, the space for the BRICS increases. Brazil’s presidential foreign policy adviser Celso Amorim.
