Echoes of a Southern World Order.

In an age characterized by the economic and political rise of developing economies in the Global South, the BRICS coalition has formidably challenged the Western world order led by the USA. The whispers and stories of the Southern world order with China being a rising challenger can be heard across the parliamentary halls, media, and think tanks.

The widespread economic and political consequences of sanctions imposed by the USA, and its failure to fulfill its commitments of proportional and timely climate financing along with health and food security are sources of disillusionment among developing states that are now jumping on the bandwagon of BRICS. Despite the exclusion of its six expanded members, this economic clout had already surpassed G7 in the global GDP ratio as it accounted for 32% against 30% of G7. This GDP ratio is expected to rise to 50% in 2030.

BRICS nations call for an equitable world order by reforming established international institutions like the United Nations, IMF, and World Bank led by the West. The UNGA on 14 December 2022, adopted a resolution named 'Towards a New International Economic Order' which got 123 votes in its favour.

Whether Saudi Arabia and UAE would seek an erosion of the US-led Western world order or remain satisfied with the status quo is a major question. Political tensions between India and China are the source of prevailing mistrust as India has also shown reluctance to embrace the expansion of BRICS as it sees the bloc as a mouthpiece for China in the long run. Lastly, India's pivotal role in the India-Middle East- Europe Corridor can jeopardize the future of BRICS as it aims to counterbalance China's rise through BRI and BRICS

This was a major blow to the politics of the Western bloc as the assembly expressed grave concerns over the rising debt vulnerabilities of developing countries, stringent policies, and conditions set by Western global financial institutions. As a result, it demanded the exploration of new means and instruments that could help to reduce the debt burdens of developing states. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in his speech at a recent BRICS summit, advocated for reforms in international institutions to adapt to the changing economic and technological landscape. In verity, he validated the demands of BRICS nations by highlighting the economic and environmental discrimination faced by the African region.

These discontented states of BRICS have made significant...