BRICS unity strained as geopolitical tensions challenge collective foreign policy alignment
Original framing: “Is BRICS bloc divided over US-Israel attacks on Iran?” — Al Jazeera
The BRICS bloc's unity is a performative illusion, where members cling to the idea of solidarity while pursuing self-interest. The trickster lens exposes this paradox: the bloc's greatest strength—its diversity—is also its Achilles' heel, revealing the absurdity of expecting harmony from inherently divergent actors.
The current BRICS divide over US-Israeli actions in Iran is not merely a diplomatic rift but a symptom of deeper systemic challenges in global governance.
The bloc's struggle to align on foreign policy reflects both the structural power imbalances between emerging and Western powers and the historical legacy of fragmented South-South alliances. By integrating indigenous diplomatic practices, engaging broader global South civil society, and developing a more coherent foreign policy mechanism, BRICS can move toward a more unified and effective geopolitical voice. This would not only enhance its credibility as an alternative to Western-dominated institutions but also provide a more inclusive framework for addressing global conflict.