Putin Highlights BRICS’ Role in Shaping a Multipolar World Order at St. Petersburg Forum
St. Petersburg, Russia (11 July 2024) – President Vladimir Putin of Russia underscored the crucial role of BRICS in the emerging multipolar world order during his address at the BRICS Parliamentary Forum. The event, held in St. Petersburg, saw the Russian leader affirm the association’s commitment to fostering a global environment where the interests of all states are respected and considered.
Putin emphasized that BRICS—comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—is central to the growing global architecture that increasingly reflects the aspirations of the Global South and the Global East. "BRICS is one of the key elements of the emerging multipolar world order, which increasingly reflects the interests and aspirations of the global South, the global East, and our supporters around the world," he stated, according to the TASS news agency.
Russia’s Leadership and Strategic Aims
Under Russia’s current presidency, significant efforts have been made to establish favorable conditions for the gradual development of all member states. Putin highlighted the active dialogues within the BRICS+ and BRICS Outreach formats and the pursuit of establishing a ‘partner state’ category to expand cooperation with interested countries.
This year marks a significant expansion for BRICS, which now includes new members: Saudi Arabia, Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt, Argentina, and the United Arab Emirates. This expansion underscores the association’s growing influence and the appeal of its inclusive cooperation model.
Critique of Western Policies
In a pointed critique of Western policies, Putin compared the West’s reliance on so-called rules, as opposed to established international law, to classic colonialism. He accused Western countries of trying to impose a monopoly on truth and dictating terms that benefit a select few at the expense of broader global interests. "Acting contrary to historical logic and often even to the detriment of the long-term interests of their own peoples, they are now seeking to establish some kind of order based on their so-called rules," he said.
Putin argued that these rules appear to be arbitrary and self-serving, adjusted to favor the interests of what he termed the "golden billion" countries. This approach, he contended, is destructive and undermines legitimate international law, leading to forcible coercion, unilateral sanctions, and selective application of trade rules.
The Path to a Multipolar World Order
Recognizing the challenges and resistance from established elites, Putin acknowledged that creating a multipolar world order aligned with current geopolitical, economic, and demographic realities is a "complicated and in many ways, unfortunately, even painful process." Nevertheless, he reiterated the commitment of BRICS to this vision, highlighting the diverse cultural, social, and political models represented within the expanded group.
By supporting an inclusive and balanced global development model, BRICS aims to reflect the true balance of power and contribute to international stability and progress.
As 2024 progresses, the expanded BRICS coalition stands as a testament to a shifting global landscape where emerging economies play an increasingly central role in shaping the future.
For more information about BRICS and its initiatives, visit the official BRICS website.
Adapted from reporting by TASS News Agency.
