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BRICS expansion unlikely to dethrone US global dominance soon

While the BRICS bloc continues to expand its membership, analysts suggest the grouping lacks the cohesion and institutional strength to meaningfully challenge American-led global structures in the near term.

LSN Singapore · 18 September 2026

BRICS expansion unlikely to dethrone US global dominance soon

The BRICS coalition of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa has attracted growing interest from developing nations seeking alternatives to Western-dominated institutions. Recent expansion efforts have added new members and generated considerable international attention regarding the bloc's geopolitical ambitions.

However, experts caution against overstating BRICS' capacity to reshape the existing world order. The group remains hampered by divergent national interests, competing economic priorities and limited institutional frameworks compared to established multilateral organizations.

Internal divisions present a significant obstacle to unified action. Member states pursue distinct foreign policy agendas, with Russia and China pursuing different strategic objectives in their respective regions. India's complicated relationship with Beijing, meanwhile, continues to constrain collective decision-making on major issues.

The bloc's economic influence, while substantial, does not yet translate into decisive power over global financial systems or trade architectures dominated by developed economies. Currency cooperation initiatives and alternative payment systems remain in early developmental stages and face implementation challenges.

Analysts suggest BRICS will likely function as a counterbalance to Western influence rather than a transformative force in the immediate future, with its impact gradually strengthening as members deepen institutional cooperation and economic integration.