Expanded BRICS Would ‘Change the World,’ Severely Erode Western Power, Say Experts

Analysts at the BRICS summit in Johannesburg say the bloc is set to become a powerful entity that'll rival the West economically and militarily. They say an expanded BRICS, including mostly allies of China and Russia, could eventually own most of the globe’s natural resources, including oil, gas and gold.

A view of a reflection on a window of a man staring at the sea in front of the national flags of the on the the BRICS (China, India, Russia, South Africa, Brazil) countries during the BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting in Cape Town, on June 02, 2023. Rodger Bosch/AFP via Getty Images

JOHANNESBURG—It’s only a matter of time before the BRICS bloc of countries morphs into a “New World Order” set to undermine and rival Western powers on several fronts, including economically and militarily, say analysts.

The 15th summit of the BRICS countries—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—began in Johannesburg on Aug. 22, with the probable expansion of the organization topping the agenda.