BRICS has expanded to 20 countries - 10 members and 10 partners - after adding Vietnam. BRICS+ makes up 44% of world GDP (PPP) and 56% of global population. The US failed to divide China and Vietnam.
Ten or so years from now any country not in BRICS might be defined as "third world." It appears the self-immolation of the West is an irresistible vortex not to be denied.
Yeah, Vietnam joining BRICS+ is one of those moves that says a lot without needing to shout. While all eyes were locked on headlines about war and geopolitical drama, this was a quiet but delibrate step that fits squarely within Vietnam’s long-standing playbook: non-alignment with backbone.
What’s smart here is how Hanoi managed to keep the door open to both Washington and Beijing, without getting roped into anyone’s camp. The US has been trying hard to pull Vietnam closer, mainly to cut China out of the loop, but Vietnam isn’t playing that game. They know they benefit economically from both sides. But more than that, they're not interested in being anyone’s pawn, and this BRICS+ move makes that pretty clear.
Joining BRICS+ doesn’t mean cutting ties with the West, it just gives Vietnam more room to maneuver. More partners, more leverage. And the fact that China and Vietnam share a similar development model probably makes this an easier fit than it might seem on the surface.
People forget Vietnam’s been walking this tightrope for decades. They know how to keep their sovereignty intact while still engaging the big players. So this isn't about choosing sides; it’s about expanding options.. And honestly, that’s probably the most rational thing a small-but-rising power can do in a world like this.
Exceptionally well written piece Ben… Trumps busy celebrating his divine presence on this blue spinning ball, while America tumbles into autocracy. Colour me disgusted!!
That chart says it all: toadying up to the colonialist capitalist countries is NOT working out well for India and the Philippenes! Worse yet, they are doubling down on it.
India especially should know better: they have been colonized before. In fact that colonial exploitation era is the source of a huge chunk of what is now British wealth.
India and Brazil are two countries that are poised to sabotage BRICS. India more than any BRICS country sides with the Zionists and their empirical ideals. Narendra Modi is a western puppet. He is a traitor to the people of the global south. Lula, in Brazil, is also a western puppet.
Ben, you are someone I read and listen to regularly. It helps me to know that the US is not doing a good job in corralling countries to stand with it (unless they're also fascistic). I'm anti-war because it is a waste of money - and I also am concerned about climate change. We need collaboration with countries - especially China, not competition.
Thank you, Ben! Vietnam's four No's are an excellent plan for all nations. Mexico wants observer status at BRICS+, so should Canada, to stop kissing the ring! But in Canada we have a neoliberal government plus a neoliberal "opposition," so, essentially, a 51st state.
I was in China last year during the BRICS+ summit. The news was all day every day BRICS+ and whatever Xi had to say, which was next to nothing of substance. While it seemed like a nothing burger in terms of content, they milked the symbolism as much as humanly possible. As a foreigner the big take away for me was the likelihood of decoupling currencies from the USD. I suppose if I was in Russia it would have been The Putin Show.
Vietnam’s acceptance of BRICS partnership is a major geopolitical signal. It underscores Hanoi’s commitment to strategic non-alignment and its desire to navigate between major powers without choosing sides in the US-China rivalry. BRICS+ is clearly evolving into a significant Global South coalition, combining economic scale with political diversity.
Ten or so years from now any country not in BRICS might be defined as "third world." It appears the self-immolation of the West is an irresistible vortex not to be denied.
Yeah, Vietnam joining BRICS+ is one of those moves that says a lot without needing to shout. While all eyes were locked on headlines about war and geopolitical drama, this was a quiet but delibrate step that fits squarely within Vietnam’s long-standing playbook: non-alignment with backbone.
What’s smart here is how Hanoi managed to keep the door open to both Washington and Beijing, without getting roped into anyone’s camp. The US has been trying hard to pull Vietnam closer, mainly to cut China out of the loop, but Vietnam isn’t playing that game. They know they benefit economically from both sides. But more than that, they're not interested in being anyone’s pawn, and this BRICS+ move makes that pretty clear.
Joining BRICS+ doesn’t mean cutting ties with the West, it just gives Vietnam more room to maneuver. More partners, more leverage. And the fact that China and Vietnam share a similar development model probably makes this an easier fit than it might seem on the surface.
People forget Vietnam’s been walking this tightrope for decades. They know how to keep their sovereignty intact while still engaging the big players. So this isn't about choosing sides; it’s about expanding options.. And honestly, that’s probably the most rational thing a small-but-rising power can do in a world like this.
Such a thoughtful comment and analysis! Thank you.
Exceptionally well written piece Ben… Trumps busy celebrating his divine presence on this blue spinning ball, while America tumbles into autocracy. Colour me disgusted!!
Sounds as if the West will at some point be in a much worse mess than it is already. Bring it on, that’s what I say.
That chart says it all: toadying up to the colonialist capitalist countries is NOT working out well for India and the Philippenes! Worse yet, they are doubling down on it.
India especially should know better: they have been colonized before. In fact that colonial exploitation era is the source of a huge chunk of what is now British wealth.
India and Brazil are two countries that are poised to sabotage BRICS. India more than any BRICS country sides with the Zionists and their empirical ideals. Narendra Modi is a western puppet. He is a traitor to the people of the global south. Lula, in Brazil, is also a western puppet.
Ben, you are someone I read and listen to regularly. It helps me to know that the US is not doing a good job in corralling countries to stand with it (unless they're also fascistic). I'm anti-war because it is a waste of money - and I also am concerned about climate change. We need collaboration with countries - especially China, not competition.
It won't be long until BRICS will be considered the "first world" nations and telling the West what to do.
💯!!
great news for those of us looking forward to a multipolar world!
Now this is getting interesting. Especially with that news about Vietnam. BRICS will help them to avoid the worst of American influence.
oh a lot more than that, just wait and see.
Thank you, Ben! Vietnam's four No's are an excellent plan for all nations. Mexico wants observer status at BRICS+, so should Canada, to stop kissing the ring! But in Canada we have a neoliberal government plus a neoliberal "opposition," so, essentially, a 51st state.
Iran must get Nuclear weapons because the Devil IsRael States of America.
So Trump's threats of adding additional sanctions on any country who becomes a member of BRICS did not intimidate them.
I was in China last year during the BRICS+ summit. The news was all day every day BRICS+ and whatever Xi had to say, which was next to nothing of substance. While it seemed like a nothing burger in terms of content, they milked the symbolism as much as humanly possible. As a foreigner the big take away for me was the likelihood of decoupling currencies from the USD. I suppose if I was in Russia it would have been The Putin Show.
Vietnam’s acceptance of BRICS partnership is a major geopolitical signal. It underscores Hanoi’s commitment to strategic non-alignment and its desire to navigate between major powers without choosing sides in the US-China rivalry. BRICS+ is clearly evolving into a significant Global South coalition, combining economic scale with political diversity.
Ben could you share with us how you make your maps and graphs?
Here in Chile many are thinking also about joining Brics, but are afraid of what USA will think about it, specially Trump.
It's difficult to keep good relations with both sides!
Don't! Do what's right.