Opinion | Evolution of BRICS – a fairer world, better global governance – in contrast with US hypocrisy
By Augustus K. Yeung
INTRODUCTION
As the crippling American-led proxy war limps on in Ukraine, the BRICS is making leaps and bounds both politically and economically – to the benefit of the world's developing countries.
For once, I clearly see the world is not going to be led unilaterally by the U.S military-industrial complex – which has had started the Korean War, next the Vietnam War, and now…
This time around, I see hope that BRICS is bringing together more members from its developing countries, building infrastructure and tipping the balance between the colonizing wealthy West versus the impoverished Global South. Africa, the 'Dark Continent'— which has a long history of being exploited by the European colonialists and the hegemonic American-led military – speaks out for joy – because it has now found a "voice" through BRICS that speaks for their interest.
The Asian countries, too, such as Indonesia, and countries like Iran in the Middle East are feeling envious about the evolution of BRICS, which has now developed a bank that aims to help build development projects and lead to a fairer, far better, peaceful and prosperous world, a growing trend that I see.
My advice is that we Asians and Africans all get to know BRICS better, and value its existence and evolution.
BRICS Acts for Collective Good of Global South
The BRICS platform, which began life as a dialogue mechanism for Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, has evolved into a key platform for cooperation among the world's developing countries and emerging markets.
Note: Because of opposition from Russia, French President Emmanuel Macron will not take part in the bloc's upcoming summit in South Africa, to be held in Johannesburg from August 22 to 24. But the fact that the French leader sought an invitation to attend the summit reflects the growing stature of BRICS.
Why so many developing countries are seeking to join the group? So far more than 40 countries – including Saudi Arabia, Indonesia and Iran have expressed an interest in joining, with 22 of them having already formally applied to do so.
Together, the five current BRICS members already account for 40 percent of the world's population and just over one-fourth of the global GDP.
How to help? They are helping to drive the development of the Global South through the New Development Bank that BRICS created in 2015 – to meet the specific funding needs of developing countries. The bank, which provides development funding with no political strings attached, has so far approved more than $30 billion in loans for infrastructure projects in developing countries.
Since its first summit in 2009, BRICS has been committed to upholding multilateralism, reforming the global governance system and amplifying the "voice" of the developing countries in the international arena.
A highlight of this year's summit is that the heads of state of all African countries have been invited to the meeting. This unprecedented move indicates that BRICS has now become a constructive force – for reshaping the existing global order.
"Our continent was pillaged and ravaged and exploited by another continent as a whole," said South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, whose country now holds the BRICS chair.
"BRICS is no longer an 'alternative', it is an established feature of the global landscape", Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said.
The upcoming summit will further contribute to building a fairer and more open global development architecture to the benefit of all developing nations. (Source: Editorial, China Daily)
CONCLUSION
The South African leader's remarks reflect the view that emerging economies no longer look to America for solutions. Why?!
As a student in North America, I witnessed the protests on the University of Toronto campus against the Vietnam War. To give young readers an idea of how upsetting it was, let us revisit these American-led war years.
"President Johnson has committed a further 50,000 US troops to the conflict in Vietnam," reports the BBC.
"Monthly draft calls will increase from 17,000 to 35,000 – the highest level since the Korean War, when between 50,000 and 80,000 men were called up each month. It will take the US force in Vietnam up to 125,000 but officials say at this stage demands should be met by conscription without calling upon the reserves."
Speaking from the White House the President said, "We do not want an expanding struggle with consequences no one can foresee. Nor will we bluster, bully or flaunt our power. But we will not surrender, nor will we retreat."
Mrs. Johnson and her daughter looked close to tears as Mr. Johnson admitted: "I do not find it easy to send the flower of our youth, our finest young men, into battle."
"He called upon the UN to redouble its efforts to restore peace to Vietnam," detailing a personal letter to the General-Secretary…
"The Secretary of State, Dean Rusk, and the Secretary of Defense, Robert McNamara, are to persuade Congress of the need to finance the US's new military commitments, in the light of a reduced defense budget this year."
Johnson explained, "We intend to convince the communist that we cannot be defeated by force of arms or by superior power." (Source: BBC News)
By the end of the year 180,000 US troops had been sent to Vietnam. In 1966 the figure doubled. 80,000 Americans had been killed or wounded in the Vietnam War by summer 1967. Pressure to withdraw mounted – not least because money for domestic reforms was diverted to the military. There was rioting in US cities and demonstrations on university campuses in the summer of 1967.
The successful evolution of BRICS in comparison and contrast with the destructive Vietnam War (and more) may give a picture of a sad War & sweet Peace, a persistent theme – which attests to the repetitious American military aggressions – without behavioral modification!
Thankfully, third-world countries can now pin their hopes on BRICS – not U.S. hypocrisy.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of DotDotNews.
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