Country Reports

South Africa and BRICS+

Foreign policy strategies and economic interests in the BRICS+ area of conflict

South Africa, the most industrialized country on the African continent with a population of around 63 million, has been a member of what was then known as the BRICS grouping of five countries since 2010.

Ethiopia's BRICS membership

Between exaggerated expectations and geopolitical rivalry

On 1 January 2024, Ethiopia officially joined the BRICS group — a highly symbolic step that marks the country’s turn away from the traditional West and towards a supposedly more multipolar world order (Council on Foreign Relations, 2024). Addis Ababa presented the accession as a historic success for its foreign policy. It was seen as a sign of a return to geopolitical relevance, opening the door to new economic and diplomatic opportunities. However, this rhetoric conceals an increasingly visible discrepancy between Ethiopia's expectations of BRICS and the group of states' structural and political realities. However, the absence of economic returns to date, coupled with the emergence of new geopolitical tensions among members, calls into question the benefits of accession.

From a “Dormant to a Leading Middle Power"

Foreign and Security Policy of Germany’s New Government

Germany finds itself alongside its European allies and partners in a complex security environment. Russian aggression in Ukraine continues to threaten broader European security, while the concerning escalation in the Middle East, transatlantic trade tensions, and global power competition are further complicating the geopolitical landscape.

China ahead of the BRICS summit in Rio

"Rien ne va plus" or "now more than ever"?

For the first time since assuming office in 2013, Chinese President and Communist Party leader Xi Jinping will not attend a BRICS summit in person. Instead, Premier Li Qiang will represent the People’s Republic of China at the gathering in Rio de Janeiro. From Beijing’s perspective, the ongoing conflicts — and the direct involvement of fellow BRICS members such as Russia and Iran — have significantly dampened expectations for the summit’s success. Against this backdrop, signs are mounting that China’s enthusiasm for the BRICS format is waning, giving way to growing disillusionment and lowered ambitions.

Indonesia's first BRICS summit after accession

Why Indonesia joins BRICS and still remains independent

In January 2025, Indonesia surprisingly joined the BRICS community of states. This raised concerns among Western observers that Indonesia could abandon its traditional foreign policy position of ‘non-alignment’ and move closer to China and Russia. However, the accession is actually part of the Indonesian government's strategy to integrate its own country into the most important multilateral formats. It is therefore not a contradiction for Indonesia to push for its own accession to the OECD at the same time. The Western international community should support Indonesia's integration efforts and make concrete offers of cooperation to the Indonesian government. Indonesia's BRICS accession could then even have a positive effect for the West and strengthen the balance within the BRICS - and thus weaken China's dominant influence in the group.

Brazil as a Bridge Between BRICS+ and Europe?

Brazil’s BRICS+ Presidency Ahead of the Rio de Janeiro Summit

Brazil is using its BRICS+ presidency in 2025 to promote a more inclusive and sustainable world order as a pragmatic mediator in the so-called ‘Global South’ and to preserve its independence in foreign policy. For Europe, this presents both challenges due to the growing heterogeneity and independence of the BRICS+ group, as well as opportunities for a strategic partnership, for example through the EU-Mercosur agreement and joint projects in the areas of climate, health and technology. It is crucial that Europe recognises Brazil as an equal partner in order to jointly set global standards and actively shape the multipolar world order.

The UAE – (not) just another BRICS member?

Admission to BRICS strengthens the Emirates’ economic and foreign policy ambitions

Although the UAE seem like an unusual member of BRICS, the Emirates have embraced their admission to join the group in 2024. Being a BRICS-member furthers Abu Dhabi’s agenda to become an economic hub and is part and parcel of its diversified foreign relations. For Europe this should be a wake-up call.

Egyptian perspectives on the BRICS conference in Brazil

Egypt sees itself as an active partner in the BRICS alliance, but the topic is only discussed to a limited extent in the public debate

Since joining BRICS in January 2024, Egypt has positioned itself as an active partner focused on financial reform and cooperation with the Global South. President Al-Sisi criticized traditional institutions like the UN and emphasized BRICS' role in addressing global crises. Egypt advocates for fairer debt systems and stronger economic sovereignty within the alliance.

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Romania after the election: A difficult equation to solve

New president, new government, large budget deficit

Romania has experienced turbulent months: A gruelling presidential election campaign, the resignation of the prime minister, and ultimately a fragile coalition government mark a new political beginning. With Nicușor Dan and Ilie Bolojan, two reformers now lead a country plagued by fiscal problems and deep distrust of the political class. But the new government must first prove itself – in a parliament with difficult majorities, facing a disaffected population, and in the shadow of a budget crisis. A new beginning with many unknowns.