BRICS Expansion: Russia's Prospects and Perils

The recent expansion of the BRICS bloc to include Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates presents both opportunities and challenges for Russia. While the enlargement could provide new opportunities for bilateral cooperation, it is unlikely to strengthen BRICS' influence on the global stage. The new members have diverse foreign policy objectives, and their inclusion may further narrow the bloc's scope for agreement. Additionally, the potential benefits for Russia are limited, as these countries are not major trade or investment partners. Despite this, an expanded BRICS adds weight to Russia's rhetoric of standing against the West, aligning with its vision of a multipolar world.