№ 44, 2024. PIR Center hosted an expert seminar to discuss the report «International Security Issues in BRICS Agenda. Overview and Policy Recommendations»

MOSCOW. OCTOBER 23, 2024. PIR PRESS. «Today, under the Russian Chairship, BRICS activities cover an impressive range of issues, including even very specialized ones. Still, economic and security issues remain the most important. And while the economic agenda is more or less obvious, BRICS cooperation in security raises a whole set of thoughts and questions. Where exactly are the positions of the member countries close? Where can they successfully cooperate without harming the positive, consensual climate developed within the association over the years? And what, on the contrary, could become a stumbling block? With this report, we do not aim to answer these burning questions comprehensively. Our task is to provide food for thought by summarizing information on the dynamics of the positions of the member states and comparing these positions. This way, through comparison, at least part of the questions may receive a clearer and more qualified answer. And the shape of those areas will begin to emerge where the prospects for security cooperation are obvious, and where they can be hardly seen or do not exist at all,» – Dr. Vladimir Orlov, Founding Director of PIR Center, in the introduction for the report “International Security Issues in BRICS Agenda. Overview and Policy Recommendations.”

On the eve of the BRICS Summit in Kazan, PIR Center hosted an informal expert seminar (in Russian) in the format of a Midweek Brainstorming Session, where the report “International Security Issues in BRICS Agenda. Overview and Policy Recommendations” was discussed. Sviatoslav Arov, Research Fellow-Executive Assistant to Director, PIR Center, delivered the keynote address.

In his presentation, he delivered the primary outcomes of the report. Sviatoslav Arov noted that security issues are a solid basis for interaction between the BRICS countries. Simultaneously, the Group is perceived by its members as an essential actor in the international arena, responsible for developing international relations. BRICS does not perceive itself as a standalone institution in global security. Addressing security issues at BRICS summits, the text of the final declarations always refers to the UN or other specialized organizations and forums as the main venue for general discussions and adoption of internationally recognized documents.

Special attention was paid to the prospects of BRICS cooperation in nuclear energy. According to the speaker, cooperation in nuclear energy between BRICS members is promising. Most BRICS countries recognize the importance of nuclear energy development and pursue active policies in this area. Some BRICS members are world leaders in the nuclear industry. Joint efforts within the BRICS framework can lead to several mutually beneficial results for all BRICS members.

Representatives of the academic community, media, and students attended the seminar. PIR Center Advisory Board was represented by Gleb V. Efremov, Director General, International Uranium Enrichment Center, and Georgy D. Toloraya, Head of the Center for Russian Strategy in Asia, Institute of Economics, Russian Academy of Sciences.

The presentation of the PIR Center’s report (English edition) will take place during the BRICS Think Tanks Summit in Moscow, co-sponsored by PIR Center, among other institutions from BRICS nations.

Key words: BRICS; Global Security

BRICS

F4/SOR – 24/10/23