BRICS architecture
The call for reform of major cooperative institutions, notably the UN and the WTO due to outdated rules and dissatisfaction with the current global governance order, has become increasingly pronounced (Kumar et al. 2022: 22). In response, a notable trend in recent years has been the emergence of informal multilateral institutions, with BRICS standing out among them. While scholars disagree on the role of BRICS within the global governance system, the initially informal BRICS summit has not only established formal institutions but has also expanded its membership and broadened the scope of cooperation among member states (Larinova 2020: 3-7). Almost two decades since its first meeting, the question remains: What kind of cooperation does BRICS entail? To gain a comprehensive understanding of the structure of BRICS, an analysis of various documents including agreements, Memoranda of Understanding (MoU), summit declarations, frameworks, and strategies is being conducted. The attachment offers a summary and overview of the key frameworks and strategies.
Organization
As BRICS is not an international organisation, there is no headquarter or permanent secretary. The rotational chairmanship among member states, in line with the acronym, dictates priorities and schedules events for the year. The hosting country of the chairmanship coordinates the summit and related meetings, working with other BRICS members to shape annual agendas that align with their own priorities and previously agreed-upon decisions, thus ensuring continuity in cooperation. Sherpas and sous sherpas largely manage coordination and administration. The decentralized structure of BRICS mirrors that of other intergovernmental forums like the G20 and G7. This framework emphasizes the importance of individual sovereignty, as evidenced by clauses in legal documents affirming member states’ retention of sovereignty and the absence of legally binding obligations. While the annual BRICS summits can be seen as intergovernmental forums, the outcome, especially the creation of formalized institutions, goes beyond the typical scope of an informal forum. The platform has taken steps to coordinate various cooperation areas by establishing three formalized cooperation councils : the BRICS Think Tank Council, the BRICS Business Council, and the BRICS Women Business Alliance (BRICS Architecture – BRICS 2023 o.D).
Furthermore, in 2014, the BRICS countries created two formal institutions: the New Development Bank (NDB) and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) . The NDB is dedicated to mobilizing resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS and other emerging economies, supplementing existing global financial efforts. Meanwhile, the CRA serves as a mechanism to provide liquidity and precautionary instruments to address short-term balance of payments pressures. Although both institutions were founded in 2014 through legal documentation, they lack a uniform structure. Not only do their designs differ, but the CRA was established through a treaty, whereas the NDB was established through an agreement. Another notable distinction is that the NDB Agreement explicitly mentions the five countries collectively as the "BRICS countries" while the CRA treaty refers to them individually as "Parties" and collectively as "the Parties" . The terminology used in the NDB Agreement and the CRA treaty reflects the collective versus individual representation of the member countries. The explicit mention of "BRICS countries" in the NDB Agreement highlights a collective identity and shared goals among the member nations. Conversely, the CRA treaty refers to the member countries individually as "Parties," potentially emphasizing their sovereignty and individual interests alongside collective action. The contrast in terminology and design not only indicates a lack of uniformity and cohesion within the BRICS framework but also indicates uncertainties regarding BRICSs’ internal dynamics.
Cooperation
Cooperation among BRICS countries varies among several areas and expands with each new summit. The main cooperation areas are:
- Competition law and policy
- Physical culture and sport
- Trade and investment
- Environmental cooperation
- Science technology and innovation
- University network
- Innovation
- Diplomatic academies
- Responsible financing
- Energy efficiency
- Agriculture research platform
It is important to note, that this list is not exhaustive.
During the 2023 Summit hosted by South Africa, the host country stated that there are “3 Pillars of Cooperation” (Three Pillars of Cooperation – BRICS 2023, o. D.):
While the scope of cooperation among the BRICS countries continues to broaden each year, there is a noticeable absence of efforts to further institutionalize the alliance. Despite discussions and agreements on cooperation and incentives during summit meetings, implementation is often lacking, exemplified by the failure to establish a central website as outlined in the 2015 Memorandum of Understanding on the creation of the Joint BRICS website. Despite the existence of formal legal documentation, transparency remains elusive, with no centralized website providing crucial information. Currently, a new website is created for each summit, forum, or cooperative endeavour within the BRICS framework. Additionally, the establishment of new working groups specified in various agreements and declarations is not consistently realized. Due to the lack of transparency, it is questionable how these decisions are implemented and carried out.
Business networking
While the effectiveness of political-level cooperation and decision implementation remains uncertain, there is a notable effort to offer businesses a networking platform for collaboration and discussions on current issues, particularly within the private sector. Throughout the year, numerous forums and meetings are organized where citizens from BRICS nations, especially in the business sector, can participate (Events Calendar – BRICS 2023, o. D.). The initiatives to foster cooperation among businesses within the BRICS countries also appear to be gaining popularity.
BRICS Documents
When examining various BRICS documents such as Memoranda of Understanding, Agreements and Summit declarations, several key points consistently stand out:
- There is a strong emphasis on the commitment to international law and the promotion of multilateral cooperation.
- The central importance of the United Nations is frequently mentioned across different documents.
- Despite this, there is a notable emphasis on the necessity for reform within the international system, particularly within the UN and the World Trade Organization.
- Furthermore, maintaining individual sovereignty is underscored as a significant aspect within the BRICS framework.
Conclusion
Despite holding regular summit meetings, establishing institutions, and deepening cooperation, the nature of international cooperation within BRICS remains uncertain even among its members. While BRICS summits serve as a platform for discussing global issues, their cooperation extends beyond mere dialogue. The legal documents of BRICS underscore a dedication to international law, multilateral cooperation, and the central role of the UN . They also emphasize the urgency of reforming the international system, notably the UN and the WTO. Current challenges, especially those emerging from these institutions, highlight the necessity for reform. In response to various challenges, particularly in international trade, new forms of international cooperation are emerging, with BRICS just as one example. Although the implications for the political arena are unclear, BRICS can be viewed as a platform for networking within the private sector, supporting not just business relationships for domestic companies but also potentially uncovering solutions through dialogue and the involvement of private sector stakeholders. Thus, while BRICS does not fit into typical forms of international cooperation, it can be viewed as a new effort to facilitate political dialogue and strengthen multilateral cooperation in various continuously evolving areas.
Reference List
BRICS South Africa (2023): BRICS Architecture. (https://brics2023.gov.za/brics-architecture/ [05.01.2024])
BRICS South Africa (2023): Events Calendar. (https://brics2023.gov.za/events-calendar/ [05.01.2024])
Larionova, Marina and Kirton, John (2020): BRICS and Global Governance. London: Routledge.
Kumar, Rajan, Meeta Mehra, G. Venkat Raman, and Meenakshi Sundriyal (2023). Locating BRICS in the Global Order : Perspectives from the Global South. London: Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group.
BRICS South Africa (2023): Three Pillars of Cooperation. (https://brics2023.gov.za/three-pillars-of-cooperation/ [05.01.2024])