Trump may be BRICS’s best recruitment agent

Donald Trump, the former US president, has expressed a desire to weaken the BRICS alliance, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. However, his foreign policy and economic approaches, particularly his "America First" stance, might inadvertently strengthen the very bloc he seeks to diminish. Trump's policies, characterized by protectionism and a willingness to challenge established international norms, often push traditional US partners and other nations to seek out new forms of cooperation.

BRICS was formed with the goal of fostering economic collaboration among its members and creating a counterbalance to Western-dominated global institutions. The group aims to promote a multipolar world order and reduce reliance on the US dollar for international trade and finance. When Trump imposes tariffs, withdraws from international agreements, or signals a reduced commitment to global cooperation, it can make other countries feel less secure about their relationship with the United States.

Consequently, nations seeking stable trade partnerships and reliable financial systems may view BRICS as a viable alternative. This could lead more countries to join the BRICS+ expansion or increase their engagement with the existing members. By pursuing a highly protectionist agenda, Trump might be creating an environment where countries find it more appealing to align with organizations like BRICS, thus making the bloc more robust and influential on the world stage, contrary to his stated intentions.