Brazil Hosts BRICS Summit: Strategies to Engage Global Leaders Without Provoking Trump

Brazil is set to host a significant BRICS summit this weekend. This gathering of developing nations will address important issues, including the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and trade tariffs set by former U.S. President Donald Trump. The members of BRICS are likely to tread carefully, trying to avoid drawing too much attention from the U.S.

One notable absence from this summit is Chinese President Xi Jinping, who has not missed a BRICS meeting since he took office in 2012. Russian President Vladimir Putin will join remotely, as he faces challenges traveling abroad due to an arrest warrant linked to Russia’s actions in Ukraine.

Cautious Discussion on Sensitive Topics

The mood at this year’s summit could differ significantly from last year’s meeting in Kazan, Russia. There, the focus was on developing alternatives to Western payment systems to counter sanctions. Now, reports indicate that some BRICS members want decisive language on sensitive topics like Gaza and Iran, but Brazil aims to keep discussions technical and uncontroversial.

“Brazil wants a low-key summit,” says Oliver Stuenkel, a professor at the Getulio Vargas Foundation. Consequently, many observers expect a vague final statement regarding Russia’s war in Ukraine and the Middle East conflicts.

Brazil’s stance appears to prioritize unity, especially since countries like India are also favoring a non-aligned approach compared to Russia and China’s more confrontational tactics.

Impact of U.S. Tariffs

Brazil, leading the bloc, has pinpointed six key areas for the summit: healthcare cooperation, trade and investment, climate change, governance for artificial intelligence, peace-making, and institutional development.

Amid uncertainties, the focus has shifted away from contentious issues to nurturing trade relationships within the group. “Brazil wants to minimize any damage and focal attention from the Trump administration to protect its economy,” says Ana Garcia from the Rio de Janeiro Federal Rural University.

The original BRICS nations have thus far avoided the tariffs Trump has threatened, which could reach 100% if any moves are perceived as undermining the dollar.

Challenges of Cohesion in BRICS

Notably, leaders from Egypt and Iran will be absent, emphasizing the challenges of cohesion within the expanded BRICS group, which now includes new members from last year. João Alfredo Nyegray, an expert in international business, notes that while the summit could showcase an alternative to global instability, disunity could hinder that vision.

Research indicates a lack of representation from influential nations like Saudi Arabia, which still hasn’t confirmed its participation despite being invited. Such absences reaffirm doubts about BRICS becoming a significant player in global leadership.

Despite these hurdles, the summit remains crucial, particularly as emerging nations seek to diversify their economic partnerships in the face of tariff pressures. Bruce Scheidl from the University of Sao Paulo emphasizes that this summit offers a vital chance for these countries to find new paths forward.

For Brazilian President Lula, the gathering provides a necessary breather from domestic issues, including diminishing popularity and tensions with Congress. It also allows Brazil to push for climate negotiations ahead of the upcoming COP 30 climate talks set to take place in Belem.

In summary, while the BRICS summit holds promise for dialogue and collaboration, the overarching theme seems to be cautious navigation through a landscape filled with complex geopolitical challenges.

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