• Developing nations convened in Rio de Janeiro, highlighting the collapse of multilateralism and the rising dominance of emerging markets. With notable absences from Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, the BRICS summit underscores geopolitical shifts and the urgent need for reform in international governance.

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (TDR) — Leaders of the BRICS nations gathered Sunday in Rio de Janeiro to address the bloc’s influence in an increasingly multipolar world. The meeting emphasized the failings of current international systems, with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva condemning what he called “the unparalleled collapse of multilateralism.”

“We are witnessing a world governance system that fails to reflect the realities of the 21st century,” da Silva said during his opening remarks. He criticized NATO’s recent actions, accusing the military alliance of intensifying a global arms race. “If international governance does not adapt, it is up to us to bring it up to date,” he asserted.

Notable BRICS absences spark questions

Amid the summit’s high-profile discussions, the absence of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin drew significant attention. Xi, for the first time since taking office in 2012, chose not to attend the meeting, sending Premier Li Qiang in his stead. While Beijing’s Foreign Ministry did not provide a reason, analysts speculate it reflects internal policy priorities and strategic recalibration.

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Putin also skipped the summit, appearing instead via videoconference. His absence follows an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant issued for his alleged role in war crimes—a legal predicament that would require Brazil, as an ICC signatory, to detain him if he entered the country. Putin used his remarks to criticize Western liberal globalization, stating, “The center of business activity is shifting towards emerging markets.”

A bloc under pressure to evolve

The BRICS alliance—comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—represents nearly half of the world’s population. However, its influence is hampered by structural and strategic differences among member nations. Despite this, Putin urged increased collaboration in areas like natural resources, trade, and finance, seeking to solidify the bloc’s standing as a counterweight to Western dominance.

As BRICS pushes for reforms to global governance structures, it faces lingering questions: Can these nations overcome internal differences to present a united front? And how will these geopolitical shifts impact U.S. foreign policy and global stability?

What do you think of the rising influence of BRICS nations? Join the conversation below.

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