Generation BRICS

From "World's Factory" to "World's Office": China's Role in International Trade in Services

China is the largest BRICS economy and a key trading partner for many of the group's member nations. In 2025, it accounted for 19.7% of global GDP at purchasing power parity (PPP)—notably higher than any other BRICS country. Its trade weight is equally significant: in 2025, China's foreign trade reached 45.5 trillion yuan, with exports accounting for 27 trillion yuan and imports for 18.5 trillion yuan. The newly developed BRICS Trade Index reflects the growth of mutual trade between 🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊 members and China. With a base value of 100 in 2009, the index had risen to 301.51 by 2024.

Read about the expanding trade ties and deepening economic integration within the group in the new article by Olga Biryukova, Associate Professor at the School of World Economy, Research Fellow at the Centre for Comprehensive European and International Studies at HSE University, and Daria Zharonkina, Assistant at the Centre for Comprehensive European and International Studies at HSE University.

📎 More #BRICS analytics is available on the official website of the BRICS Expert Council-Russia.

#ANALYTICS #BRICSExpertCouncilRussia #BRICSExpertCouncil

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RIC triangle in Latin America: cooperation or competition?

On March 26, the Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC), in partnership with RUSLAT (the Russia–Latin America Observatory) at the Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais, will host a roundtable discussion titled "The Russia–Brazil–China Triangle in Latin America: Cooperation or Competition?"

The roundtable will explore the following questions:
➖Which sectors currently offer the greatest potential for trilateral economic cooperation (China–Brazil–Russia) in Latin America?
➖Do the strategic interests of Russia and China in the region complement each other, or are there hidden tensions between them?
➖Is the BRICS platform effective in fostering trilateral cooperation in Latin America?
➖Should the three countries establish a specialised dialogue mechanism for Latin America, or maintain a flexible, project‑based approach?

The expert discussion will feature Vasily Kashin, Director of the Centre for Comprehensive European and International Studies (CCEIS) at HSE University and a member of RIAC; Victor Jeifets, Editor‑in‑Chief of the Latin America journal, Professor at St. Petersburg State University, Chief Research Fellow at the Institute of Latin American Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and a member of RIAC; and other experts.

⏰ Date and time: March 26, 3:00 PM
🖋️ Format: Zoom meeting
🗣️ Working language: English

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❕ BRICS International School: New Generation successfully completed

The largest edition of the BRICS International School: New Generation has successfully concluded in New Delhi. On March 5–6, 🕊🕊🕊 young leaders representing 🕊🕊 leading universities, think tanks, and youth organisations from across India gathered for two days of meaningful dialogue and exchange.

The programme offered a rich agenda of lectures, expert discussions, and presentations dedicated to the role of BRICS in today's international landscape. Participants engaged with key topics, including politics and security, economic cooperation, sustainable development, innovation, and humanitarian collaboration.

The School brought together distinguished experts from Russia and India, offering participants in-depth insights into 🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊 priorities and future directions—particularly in light of India's current chairship.

A special highlight this year was the launch of a dedicated Junior Track, which welcomed 🕊🕊 school students from Delhi. Through interactive lectures, quizzes, and discussions, they were introduced to the fundamentals of BRICS and the principles of youth diplomacy.

All participants have now joined the global #BRICS alumni network, becoming part of a growing international community united by a shared commitment to advancing cooperation and dialogue within the BRICS framework.

📎 Read the full recap to learn more

@bricsinternationalschool @MFARussia @russianhousenewdelhi

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Rousseff: New Development Bank to support high-quality growth in BRICS countries

The New Development Bank (NDB) will promote high‑quality development across BRICS member countries, stated NDB President Dilma Rousseff.

"The NDB remains committed to supporting our member countries in ensuring their high‑quality development," she emphasised during a symposium at the China Development Forum.

She explained that the NDB will facilitate financing for infrastructure programmes, energy and digital transformation projects, human development, transport connectivity, and the expansion of production. According to Rousseff, the bank aims to reduce the vulnerability of market participants to exchange rate fluctuations and to strengthen systems of mass lending.

"Our work is guided by national priorities, and by a stronger focus on more sustainability, resilience, and long term impact," she added.

#NEWS #finance

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🗣️ Postmortem: Poisoned Universe

Perhaps we are no longer alive, and anything unfolding is merely the collective phantom pain of a world that has gone completely mad. Rules? What rules? International law has effectively ceased to exist. For 35 years since the collapse of the Yalta‑Potsdam system, there has been a persistent effort to replace that framework with a set of rules convenient for the key global elites. But the very concept of a "rules‑based order"—once invented by the West—has now been simply thrown into the trash.

"Values": the word has long been used as its own antithesis. It is precisely for this reason that less "advanced" communities, such as the 🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊 countries, often feel compelled to add qualifiers—"traditional," "national," or "historical"—when they speak of values. Yet even there, the degree to which old, traditional, or historical values are embraced depends heavily on the influence of global media over minds of local populations, especially the younger generation.

Read about the crisis in the current world order, the passivity of the international community, and the role of BRICS in the new article by Victoria Panova, Head of the BRICS Expert Council-Russia, Vice-Rector at HSE University, and Russian W20 Sherpa. @vv_panova

📎 More #BRICS analytics is available on the official website of the BRICS Expert Council-Russia.

#ANALYTICS #BRICSExpertCouncilRussia #BRICSExpertCouncil

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1st BRICS Quantum Forum to be held in Moscow

The first BRICS Quantum Forum will convene in Moscow on June 8, 2026, at the Atom Museum located in the VDNKh Park. The announcement was made by Yekaterina Solntseva, Director for Quantum Technologies at Rosatom State Corporation, during a meeting of the Quantum Journalists' Club.

According to Solntseva, the forum's central theme will be international cooperation in quantum science and education, practical applications of quantum technologies, and the development of shared technological and educational standards. Participants are expected to include representatives from relevant government bodies, businesses, and leading research institutions across #BRICS member and partner countries.

The call for joint development of quantum technologies as a priority area—and for convening an international forum on the subject—was formally reflected in the official documents of the XVII BRICS Summit, held in Rio de Janeiro in July 2025. Following a meeting of BRICS ministers for science and education, the forum was subsequently incorporated into the group's official calendar of science, technology, and innovation events.

#NEWS #technology

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🗣️ BRICS and the Future of Geopolitics: New Challenges for Multipolar Diplomacy

Against the backdrop of escalating tensions in the Middle East and the ongoing military conflict around Iran, the 🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊 countries are expressing their positions at the national level.

Read more in our new article by Artyom Lukin, Professor at the Department of International Relations under the Institute of Asian Studies at the Far Eastern Federal University, Expert at the BRICS Expert Council-Russia.

📎 More #BRICS analytics is available on the official website of the BRICS Expert Council-Russia.

#ANALYTICS #BRICSExpertCouncilRussia #BRICSExpertCouncil

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The expert group discussed cooperation in the bioeconomy within the framework of BRICS

Presidential Aide of the Russian Federation Ruslan Edelgeriev held the first meeting of the expert group on bioeconomy under the interdepartmental working group on climate change issues. The event addressed matters of international cooperation in the field of the bioeconomy, according to the official website of the Kremlin.

During the meeting, participants examined the issues related to regulating access to biological resources and ensuring the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of biodiversity at two levels—international and national. The experts also identified specific topics that require the development of a coordinated position and improvements to the regulatory framework.

"In conclusion, the meeting reviewed current international cooperation in the field of the bioeconomy and the possibilities for its further development, particularly within the frameworks of BRICS and the G20," the Kremlin noted.

#NEWS #economy

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Generation BRICS pinned «"Destination Known"—a podcast about how, right before our eyes, the era of the old world order is coming to an end and a new system of international relations is taking shape. Today, we are joined by a true legend—a woman whose life’s journey is inextricably…»

"Destination Known"—a podcast about how, right before our eyes, the era of the old world order is coming to an end and a new system of international relations is taking shape.

Today, we are joined by a true legend—a woman whose life’s journey is inextricably linked to the development of the entire African continent.

In an exclusive interview with "Destination Known," Nkosazana Clarice Dlamini-Zuma—known worldwide as a true freedom fighter against apartheid and a closest ally of Nelson Mandela—shares her insights on just how challenging it is for women to build a career in high-stakes politics.

In this interview:
⚪The African Renaissance: The story behind Agenda 2063.
⚪Nelson Mandela: Bright memories and what parts of his legacy we risk losing today.
⚪BRICS as an Opportunity: Can BRICS reduce unemployment in South Africa and drive development? What does the "African" agenda within BRICS look like?
⚪Personal Experience: How do you break the glass ceiling in big politics? Honestly of the struggles along the way.

This conversation is a must-see for anyone interested in Africa, real diplomacy, and the stories of powerful women.

Watch the podcast on our channels:
🎞 YouTube
🎞️ Rutube
🗣️ VKontakte

#BRICSExpertCouncil #BRICSExpertCouncilRussia #DestinationKnown

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🗣️ De-dollarisation in BRICS: Strategic Ambition or Practical Gradualism?

The debate on de-dollarisation has become one of the most prominent themes in contemporary discussions on BRICS economic cooperation. As BRICS has expanded and deepened its role in global governance debates, interest has grown in whether the grouping can reduce dependence on the United States dollar in trade, development finance, and cross-border payments. Yet much of the public discussion remains imprecise.

This article argues that de-dollarisation in 🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊 is best understood not as an immediate attempt to displace the dollar globally, but as a strategy of practical gradualism. BRICS is seeking to widen the use of local currencies, strengthen financial and payment infrastructure, and expand institutional tools such as the New Development Bank (NDB). In this sense, BRICS is not yet building a post-dollar order; it is building a less dollar-dependent operating space for its members and partners.

Read more in our new article by Raymond Matlala, Founder and Chairman of the South African BRICS Youth Association (SABYA).

📎 More #BRICS analytics is available on the official website of the BRICS Expert Council-Russia.

#ANALYTICS #BRICSExpertCouncilRussia #BRICSExpertCouncil

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New issue of the Contemporary World Economy journal is out

The 4th issue of the Contemporary World Economy journal, published by the School of World Economy at HSE University, focuses on the transformation of the international financial system and the role of the BRICS countries within this process.

The guest editor for this issue is Alexandra Morozkina (HSE University, Eurasian Fund for Stabilisation and Development). The volume draws on research conducted as part of the project "Approaches to an Alternative International Financial System" under HSE University's International Academic Cooperation initiative. It brings together contributions from authors based in Russia, Brazil, South Africa, and Malaysia, offering perspectives on de-dollarisation, digital currencies, and the emerging financial order—both through theoretical analysis and country specific case studies.

In this issue, Anastasia Podrugina and Violetta Romanova (HSE University) examine the expanding architecture of de-dollarisation across the BRICS countries. Bruno de Conti (University of Campinas, Brazil) analyses BRICS-led initiatives aimed at transforming the global monetary and financial system. Ravinder Rena, Linda Paul, and Fulufhelo Netswera (Durban University of Technology, South Africa) explore how de-dollarisation policies within BRICS are reshaping the concept of monetary sovereignty. Artem Levenkov (Eurasian Fund for Stabilisation and Development) considers the role of regional financial mechanisms in the broader global financial architecture. Yuliya Mamaeva (Institute of China and Contemporary Asia, Russian Academy of Sciences) examines the internationalisation of the Chinese yuan. Fui Soong (Institute of Strategic Analysis and Policy Research (INSAP), Malaysia) discusses the evolution of Malaysia's digital currency ecosystem. The issue concludes with a review of the XIII Annual International Conference on the World Economy, held at HSE University.

📎 Full-text issue (in Russian) is available here

#ANALYTICS

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🇷🇺🇮🇳🇨🇳 Within this fluid international landscape, the RIC triangle, despite its informal character and internal contradictions, offers a potential stabilising core for the emerging Asian order.

Today’s multipolarity is characterised by cooperation, competition, and confrontation, with states participating in multiple, contradictory institutional alignments. China and India collaborate within BRICS+ while facing off across the Himalayas.

Russia aligns with Beijing while partnering with Delhi. The United States competes with China while probing the G2 concept.

The RIC grouping possesses three distinguishing attributes: civilisational depth spanning millennia, continental centrality bridging Eurasia and the Indo-Pacific, and shared impulses toward strategic autonomy in resisting hierarchical alliances.

 
Instead of advocating for competing visions, Russia, India and China must explore interoperability standards, joint financing for third-country projects, and complementary corridor development.

RIC must remain issue-based rather than evolving into a formal alliance, preserving utility while avoiding a bloc formation that could trigger balancing responses, writes Maj Gen (Retd) BK Sharma.

https://valdaiclub.com/a/highlights/ric-the-russia-india-china-construct/

#PolycentricityDivercity #RIC #Russia #India #China

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🇷🇺🇮🇳 On March 5, the conference "Track 2 Dialogue: India-Russia Partnership Amid Geopolitical Shifts", organized by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), was held on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue 2026.

The agenda focused on multifaceted Russia-India ties, with particular emphasis on the need to enhance bilateral cooperation across various spheres amid the current geopolitical turbulence.

👥 The list of prominent speakers included Dr Alexander Dynkin, President, Primakov National Research Institute of World Economy and International Relations (IMEMO) of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Dr Harsh V Pant, Vice President, ORF, Dr Feodor Voitolovsky, Director, IMEMO, Prof Gulshan Sachdeva, Professor, Centre for European Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Dr Victoria Panova, Vice Rector, HSE University, & Head, BRICS Expert Council – Russia, Amb Pankaj Saran, Convenor, NatStrat, among others.

The event was attended by representatives of the diplomatic corps, as well as members of local expert and academic circles.

#RussiaIndia
#DruzhbaDosti
#Track2Dialogue
#RaisinaDialogue
#RaisinaDialogue2026

⚡ Representatives of Civil BRICS Council condemn illegitimate actions against Iran

📎 Read the full statement here

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