Comprehensive overview of current events and trends in the field of international security and international relations
«The Greatest Common Denominator»: BRICS Cooperation in the Context of New Global Transformations
Sergey Ryabkov, Deputy Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation
Yuriy Shakhov: How do you assess the adaptation process of the countries that joined BRICS after January 1, 2024? Do the “newcomers” feel at home in the group? Are they proactive or preferring to observe?
Sergey Ryabkov: Integrating newcomers into the established BRICS architecture and generally ensuring the smoothness of this process was one of the priorities of our 2024 BRICS Chairship. All BRICS members acknowledge that we have accomplished this task quite effectively. We have now entered, I believe, the second stage of expansion. I will not speculate here about when, who, and in what capacity will have further rapprochement with BRICS. Opportunities exist for this, including through the creation of a category of partner states. BRICS already has quite a few of these – countries that have recently achieved this status. But, of course, it is very significant that Indonesia joined BRICS as a full member this year (2025 – editor’s note). It has promptly embarked on cooperation in all areas and is making a valuable and effective contribution.
I would say this: the integration of the newcomers has already been successfully completed, given the results they are demonstrating. I think everyone can see and notice how BRICS is functioning in its expanded form. There can be no criticism here. Practical results are reflected in the final documents. It’s enough to look at the lengthy declarations of the leaders, adopted in Kazan in 2024 and in Rio de Janeiro in 2025 – it’s clear what has been done and what will be done next. This action plan is, by and large, not just a statement of intent, but a de facto roadmap for practical work. Here, we all in BRICS have much to be proud of and room for improvement.
Yuriy Shakhov: As noted above, the number of BRICS members has more than doubled over the past few years. Has it become more difficult to find common ground for dialogue?
Sergey Ryabkov: You see, BRICS was initially formed as an association of states belonging to different, even civilizational, systems, representing different continents and cultures. Accordingly, each BRICS member has significant national identity, its own vision – both of its role in the grouping and of its direction and development. But more importantly, BRICS is firmly rooted in the principles of genuine equality, openness, and mutual respect. Without these, BRICS simply would not exist. And this is precisely where a very productive balance between national distinctiveness and a shared commitment to this particular model of cooperation manifests itself. From this perspective, BRICS is, of course, in many ways a pioneering international phenomenon. And that’s precisely why it attracts so much attention: people in many countries are curious to understand, if you will, to try on the BRICS garments and see how they would look while preserving their national identity. At the summits I mentioned – in Kazan and Rio de Janeiro – decisions were adopted and developed that reflect the shared approaches of participating states to many key issues on the global and regional agendas. A commitment was reaffirmed to further strengthening political coordination to facilitate the emergence of a new democratic, polycentric world order, where the interests of the World’s Majority countries will be duly taken into account.
Yuriy Shakhov: Over time, the BRICS working agenda has only expanded. Is this due to unconditional unity or a narrowing of discussions to common topics where the risk of conflict is minimal?
Sergey Ryabkov: Well, let’s start with the fact that disagreements do occur, and we don’t hide the nuances in our approaches. But the strength of BRICS lies in the fact that decisions made by consensus ultimately have a unifying effect. This is a true common denominator. Some say it’s the lowest common denominator, but in this case, I would say there is also the greatest common denominator, in terms of how the positions of different countries, when formulated collectively, acquire additional weight and, if I may, leverage in other international forums. BRICS initially operated within three baskets: politics and security, economics and finance, and humanitarian contacts. But these baskets have nothing in common, for example, with the similar three baskets in the OSCE, where the entire toolkit is used by the Western group for narrow, selfish interests – for destructive geopolitics, to suppress those with their own sovereign views on global affairs. In BRICS, these same baskets are filled with practical initiatives and, in a political sense, reflect common views on global processes, security challenges, and conflict situations, which BRICS does not shy away from.
This year’s (2025 – Editor’s note) Brazilian Chairship has continued many of the initiatives we launched and implemented in 2024. The agreements reached in Kazan, including in the trade, economic, financial, and cultural spheres, are alive and well and continue to be implemented. Expanding the agenda is a natural process. The world isn’t getting simpler, and as we accumulate experience in our own multilateral cooperation, it’s only natural that BRICS is formalizing and announcing its approaches. This further helps us to act in other venues – beyond BRICS.
Yuriy Shakhov: Claims in the West that BRICS is “targeted against them” have recently become more frequent. What is the real unifying factor for its member countries? And why has the campaign to smear BRICS gained momentum?
Sergey Ryabkov: Our opponents’ attention to BRICS is understandable. The grouping has transformed into a real force to be reckoned with. It has become an integral component of the new, changing world order. But Western vis-à-vis are accustomed to thinking within their own paradigm – the logic of bloc thinking, which boils down to the formula: “Whoever is not with us is against us”. This mindset has not only become ingrained; it has become an absolutely inescapable part of the mentality of politicians and policy-making circles in the West. Hence the suspicion, hence the desire to find ways to weaken BRICS and hinder its further development. Everyone understands this.
…I told anybody who wants to be in BRICS, That’s fine, but we’re going to put tariffs on your nation. Everybody dropped out. They’re all dropping out of BRICS. <…> I’m very strong on the dollar, and anybody that wants to deal in dollars, they have an advantage over people that aren’t… BRICS was an attack on the dollar, and I said, you want to play that game, I’m going to put tariffs on all of your products coming into the US. They said, like I said, we’re dropping out of BRICS… They don’t even talk about it anymore.
Those who are moving closer to BRICS see the persistence with which Westerners are trying to undermine it. Nevertheless, the desire for cooperation in this format remains strong. Self-respecting countries, politicians who prioritize their national interests over pleasing some guy in some capital, are making a conscious choice in favor of rapprochement.
BRICS has no hidden agenda. This is clear not only to those directly involved in it but also to invited states. This has been particularly noticeable in recent years. Both during the South African Chairship in 2023, and during our Summit in Kazan in October 2024, essentially a year ago, and in Rio de Janeiro this past July, nearly three dozen countries from the Global SouthandEast participated in each of these events. Furthermore, the heads of the executive bodies of the UN, WHO, WTO, and multilateral development banks also participated. As you well know: if anything anti-Western were being hatched in these formats, if any schemes were being hatched, if the threads of a conspiracy were being woven to undermine Western structures, it would be known and visible. Therefore, what BRICS is accused of is merely a reflection of a policy aimed at weakening geopolitical competitors. And this will continue to happen. We will resist it.
Yuriy Shakhov: Let’s look at the same situation from the perspective of BRICS. How is it responding to this new challenge? Taking steps to dispel the negative stereotypes being imposed, or is it adhering to the principle “This too shall pass[1]”?
Sergey Ryabkov: Although BRICS is relatively new – and, by and large, its history is less than two decades old – experience has already been accumulated, and each chairship formulates well-thought-out approaches to the agenda. Each Chairship undoubtedly contributes to the further progress of BRICS. But all members also make a constructive contribution to this work in one way or another. It’s enough to quote President Vladimir Putin, who said at the plenary session of the Valdai Discussion Club: “We are not pursuing a policy against anyone. The entire BRICS policy is aimed at ourselves, at the members of this grouping”.
…BRICS faces many challenges. We believe that one of them is more than simply creating a common platform or common principles of interaction, including, primarily, in the economy. As I have already mentioned in my remarks here, we are not pursuing a policy against anyone. The entire BRICS policy is aimed at ourselves, at the members of this group.
We are not conducting any anti-dollar campaigns or anti-dollar policies – absolutely not. It is just that we are not allowed to settle accounts in dollars. So what are we supposed to do? We settle accounts in national currencies. We will now do the same as many other countries, including the United States. We’ll work to expand opportunities for e-commerce and e-payments.
Indeed, BRICS continues to move in line with its stated goals and with a focus on addressing practical issues. I would like to emphasize this point further. We are entering a period where the title of the summit’s final documents – declarations – somewhat contradicts what BRICS actually does. After all, a declaration is something declarative, something that is stated. Yes, declarations are important: we set out positions and approaches. But the bulk of these documents, the operational sections, cover practical cooperation. And it continues to be filled with real action. This is very important, and I am confident that this will continue.
Yuriy Shakhov: The BRICS Kazan Declaration, adopted in 2024, specifically notes a “commitment to further advancing the institutional development of BRICS”. Does this refer only to the economic sphere, or should it be considered more broadly? How should we expect the grouping’s “institutionality” to manifest itself?
Sergey Ryabkov: Institutional development is an objectively determined process, encompassing, or at least touching, all aspects of BRICS cooperation. One area is developing interaction with the Global Majority. And the concrete results are undeniable. I already mentioned the decision to create a category of partner countries. It was adopted in Kazan – one of the significant achievements of the Russian Chairship. Currently, ten countries are BRICS partners: Belarus, Bolivia, Vietnam, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan. Generally, there is a common understanding within BRICS that the doors of the group must remain open to interaction with countries of the Global SouthandEast that share the BRICS values I have already mentioned. And interest in BRICS continues to grow. We observe that at the traditional “Outreach” and “BRICS+” sessions, the speakers and those invited to these events demonstrate a desire not only to better understand the opportunities BRICS offers them, but also to make an intellectual and practical contribution to this work. We welcome this. I believe BRICS will continue to serve as a driving force for positive global change. The potential here is enormous, and it is only just beginning to be realized.
Yuriy Shakhov: With the expansion of BRICS, the issue of the possible institutionalization of the group has become relevant: the emergence of fully-fledged mechanisms that would allow for more effective governance of BRICS. Should we expect such institutionalization and transformation of BRICS?
Sergey Ryabkov: I’m sure you’ll agree that BRICS has transformed since its inception – even undergoing several stages of qualitative transformation. What began as an informal dialogue platform has now become a complex and multifaceted mechanism for interstate cooperation across a wide range of areas. At the same time, we’ve managed to avoid excessive bureaucracy and avoid any undesirable rigid attachment to an organizational structure. This, in turn, guarantees that dialogue is conducted on an equal footing, and collective responses to current challenges are developed effectively – without any “superstructure” elements.
The goal of transforming BRICS into a full-fledged international organization is not currently on the agenda. As I’ve already mentioned, the grouping already has a fairly well-developed mechanism for financial, trade, and economic cooperation. Interaction occurs through relevant agencies and business communities of the states. This model is proving its effectiveness at this stage and is unlikely to require adjustment. As our English-speaking colleagues say, “Don’t fix what works”. This is the principle we follow.
We strive to actively engage our partners in various ministerial and expert cooperation mechanisms. We understand that their participation benefits BRICS itself and enhances its potential. In any case, all decisions within BRICS are made solely by consensus – and this is one of the key guarantees that the national interests of each state are protected and ensured. We don’t need institutionalization for the sake of institutionalization. We need to increase the practical impact of the BRICS partnership. This is what we will focus on.
Yuriy Shakhov:Security issues has traditionally received special attention in BRICS. However, it appears that the potential for cooperation within the grouping in this area is far from being realized. Do you agree with this statement, and where do you see the greatest opportunities for security cooperation?
Sergey Ryabkov: I also believe that the potential hasn’t been fully realized. It exists, and these issues need to be addressed further. We will do so. Our shared goal is to contribute to global efforts to strengthen international peace and security. Each BRICS member country has its own experience, its own practices, its own priorities in this area. And BRICS, as an integrator of approaches, is certainly capable of and will do more in this direction. But I urge everyone not to turn a blind eye to what BRICS has already achieved within this association.
This certainly includes promoting peace and stability, resolving regional conflicts, and paying attention to the situation in the Middle East and North Africa – without which, arguably, the situation there would be even worse, even more problematic. We have also achieved results in areas such as food and energy security, as well as adaptation to the effects of climate change. We attach significant importance to strengthening dialogues among high-level representatives of BRICS countries overseeing security issues, as well as the work of specialized working groups – on counterterrorism, information and communications technology security, combating corruption, and drug trafficking. These are all issues directly related to ensuring security. This is obvious, and BRICS is working effectively in this area. At Russia’s initiative, the BRICS Counter-terrorism Strategy was adopted in 2020 – an example that sets the parameters and framework for practical work in this area, which, unfortunately, remains relevant. In the modern world, the terrorist threat has not gone away, and in some respects, its severity has even increased.
«+*» – The agreement was signed and ratified with reservations.
«O» – The agreement was signed but not ratified.
«X» – The agreement has not been signed.
Yuriy Shakhov: What role do the digital economy and technology play within BRICS today? Are there any initiatives that, in your view, could become the grouping’s signature initiatives in the near future?
Sergey Ryabkov: It’s clear that digital connectivity is a crucial prerequisite for the socioeconomic development of any country. Naturally, BRICS cannot remain on the sidelines. Group’s members fully recognize the importance of creating a favorable, inclusive, and secure environment for the development of the digital economy. These issues are being discussed in depth through the BRICS Business Council’s working group on the digital economy and artificial intelligence, the working group on digital transformation of industry, and the BRICS Partnership on the New Industrial Revolution (PARTNIR). We acknowledge the significant contribution of the Brazilian Chairship to these efforts. The Chairship has organized a number of thematic events aimed at promoting the implementation of digital services in various economic sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, healthcare, education, and finance. All of this is being carried out taking into account the specific, often different, needs of each member country.
We are devoting significant attention to finalizing the Strategy for BRICS Economic Partnership for the period up to 2030. It will set objectives – that is, define the main guidelines and goals for our cooperation on issues related to the multilateral trading system, the digital economy, financial cooperation and trade, and sustainable development. Therefore, digitalization in the broad sense, including artificial intelligence, is at the forefront of cooperation within the group, and these issues are receiving increasing attention.
Yuriy Shakhov: How do you assess the prospects for joint work among BRICS countries in the field of artificial intelligence? Over the past few years, BRICS members (including newcomers) have repeatedly proposed joining forces. Is an “AI-BRICS” truly within reach?
Sergey Ryabkov: It’s premature to talk about creating an AI-BRICS, but the topic of artificial intelligence is certainly on everyone’s lips, and we’re actively pursuing it. A major achievement was the adoption of a separate leadership declaration on global governance of artificial intelligence at the Rio de Janeiro summit. Prior to this summit, BRICS had never produced such documents. The BRICS countries believe that cooperation in this area is intended to help mitigate potential risks and build capacity, particularly in developing countries. This interaction should also help bridge the unfortunately widening digital divide, both within and between countries. It is agreed that work in this area must be conducted in accordance with national legislation and the UN Charter, be development-oriented, and be based on the principles of respect for state sovereignty, the protection of personal data, and human rights and interests.
We believe that collective efforts are needed to create a global AI governance system that would support our shared values. BRICS clearly advocates for the UN’s coordinating role in these processes. However, I would hesitate to say at this stage that common BRICS standards in the field of AI are emerging – they have not yet been fully defined. However, we are actively working with our partners to harmonize our approaches and see interest in this work from all BRICS members.
Yuriy Shakhov: Not long ago, the world crossed the “small equator of the century”: the year 2050 is now chronologically closer to us than the year 2000. In this regard, we would like to ask you to briefly formulate what, in your opinion, should be the main priority in strengthening the global security system (from the BRICS perspective) in the near future?
Sergey Ryabkov: The small equator of the century is, of course, a beautiful metaphor. I wouldn’t contrast the first quarter of the 21st century with the second. After all, it was at the end of the first quarter of the 21st century, in 2024, that the foundation for the work that will continue was laid in Kazan. This is a significant undertaking, and it’s no coincidence that the motto of Russia’s Chairship was: “Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security”. This motto encompasses key tasks as we see them – primarily within the BRICS framework, but not only, and in a broader context. It will remain the formula by which we will measure our future work. Without multilateral principles, without their strengthening, without cooperation, it is impossible to address increasingly complex issues, overcome existing challenges, emerge from conflicts stronger, and build a world where the sovereignty and independence of states are respected and where states cooperate. Achieving this without cooperation will be very difficult. But BRICS is helping us to achieve this.
Yuriy Shakhov: What expectations does Russia have for India’s BRICS Chairship in 2026 in terms of further strengthening collective approaches to ensuring international stability and security?
Sergey Ryabkov: Our Indian friends have traditionally shown great interest and devoted significant attention to working within the BRICS format. This has always been the case: India is a founding member of the grouping. Now that BRICS has expanded, it is a ship that the Indian captain will, I am confident, steer next year on a steady, firm course toward further deepening cooperation. The end of the Brazilian mandate is approaching, and, accordingly, the moment when our Indian colleagues will share their specific plans with other members of the grouping. But I am confident that, as has happened in the past, during India’s Chairship of the grouping, they will add momentum and initiatives in each area. Moreover, they will do so thoughtfully, with their own national specifics, which we respect and strive to fully support.
In general, we strive to support every BRICS Chairship, and we will certainly do so during India’s year as well. We’ll see what results we achieve by the end of next year, but I’m confident that under India’s Chairship, cooperation within the grouping and with BRICS partner countries will significantly advance.
[1]This too shall pass – an adage of Persian origin about impermanence. It reflects the temporary nature, or ephemerality, of the human condition — that neither the negative nor the positive moments in life ever indefinitely last. The general sentiment of the adage is found in literature throughout history and across cultures, but the specific phrase has originated in the writings of the medieval Persian Sufi poets. It is known in the Western world primarily due to a 19th-century retelling of a Persian fable “Solomon’s Seal” by the English poet Edward FitzGerald – Editor’s note.
[2] Neither rejected nor accepted the invitation to join BRICS – Editor’s note.
[3] At least at the pilot project level – Editor’s note.
[4] It is in circulation nominally. As of the end of 2025, eNaira‘s share of the total currency in circulation in Nigeria was less than 0.5%. Its user base is estimated at 3-4% of the population (for comparison, the share of official cryptocurrency users is 12.5% of the population) – Editor’s note.
