At the recent BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, member nations condemned the global rise in tariffs and attacks on Iran, while notably refraining from directly naming U.S. President Donald Trump. The group’s joint declaration criticized actions that violate World Trade Organization rules and expressed concerns over disruptions to global trade and supply chains.
The statement also condemned Israel’s military actions in the Middle East but made only a passing mention of the war in Ukraine. This cautious diplomatic language marked a contrast from previous years, showing restraint in naming specific aggressors.
Brazil Prioritizes Stability Amid Expansion, Tariff Threats, and Global Political Tensions
The summit was marked by notable absences: Chinese President Xi Jinping missed his first BRICS summit since 2012, while Russian President Vladimir Putin only participated via videoconference due to an international arrest warrant. Iran’s foreign minister represented the country in place of its president following recent attacks.
Despite these challenges, Iranian officials condemned Israel and the U.S., warning of broader regional fallout from the conflict. The shift from last year’s more confrontational tone underscored the bloc’s current difficulty in presenting a unified stance on key geopolitical issues.
BRICS Summit Condemns Trade Disruptions and Middle East Violence as Brazil Pushes Stability Over ConfrontationBrazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva voiced strong opposition to NATO’s plans to increase military spending, arguing that the world prioritizes war over peace. This perspective was echoed in the BRICS declaration. However, the bloc’s ability to influence global dynamics appeared limited, as highlighted by political scientist João Alfredo Nyegray.
He noted that internal divisions and uncertain representation from newer members like Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE weaken BRICS’ efforts to emerge as a cohesive global leader during a time of growing international instability.
Brazil Prioritizes Stability Amid Expansion, Tariff Threats, and Global Political Tensions
As summit chair, Brazil emphasized non-confrontational topics such as trade, health cooperation, and climate change. With Trump back in office and threatening harsh tariffs on countries challenging U.S. financial dominance, Brazil is treading carefully to protect its economy.
While advocating for reform of Western-dominated institutions, Brazil avoided direct conflict with the U.S., choosing instead to focus on strengthening intra-bloc ties and preserving its trade stability, according to analysts like Ana Garcia.
The BRICS bloc has expanded significantly, now including countries like Iran, Indonesia, and Egypt, along with a growing list of strategic partners. This rapid enlargement has prompted Brazil to prioritize institutional development to ensure cohesion.
Despite leadership gaps, scholars argue the summit still offers emerging economies a crucial chance to diversify partnerships and counter Western economic pressures. Meanwhile, the event sparked protests on various issues — from Iran’s LGBTQ+ policies to Brazil’s oil drilling plans — highlighting the domestic and global tensions intersecting with the BRICS agenda.