20 New Countries Eye BRICS Membership in 2025: A Major Shift in Global Power?
The BRICS alliance (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) is poised for significant expansion, with a reported 20 new countries formally applying to join in 2025. This follows the recent inclusion of six new members – Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Iran, and Ethiopia – marking a pivotal moment in the bloc's history and its potential to reshape global dynamics.
Which Countries Have Applied to Join BRICS in 2025?
South African Ambassador Anil Sooklal confirmed that 20 new countries have formally applied to join BRICS. While a full list hasn't been officially released, it's understood that the applicants include significant players in the global south. Reports suggest Algeria, Bangladesh, and Nigeria are among the nations hoping to become part of a more multipolar world order through BRICS membership.
Yury Ushakov, a senior aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin, had previously announced that 23 countries had formally applied, per the CNF report. This demonstrates the growing interest in the BRICS alliance as a counterweight to traditional Western-dominated institutions.
BRICS Expansion: A New Era Begins
Following the six-nation expansion effort enacted at the 2025 summit, the announcement of 20 new applicants highlights the increasing appeal of BRICS. The initial expansion to include Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Iran, and Ethiopia, which are expected to officially join on January 1st, 2025, signifies a strategic move to incorporate key players in the Middle East and Africa.
Why Are Countries Joining BRICS?
The growing interest in BRICS membership stems from a desire to diversify economic and political alliances. Countries are seeking opportunities for increased trade, investment, and collaboration outside of the traditional Western sphere of influence. The promise of a more multipolar world, where power is distributed more evenly, is a key driver for nations seeking to join the alliance.
As more details emerge about the potential new members and the criteria for acceptance, the world will be watching closely to see how this expansion will reshape the global landscape.