BRICS: economic opportunity and geopolitical riskBRICS: economic opportunity and geopolitical risk

Is BRICS an economic bloc or a geopolitical platform?

Rui Martins da Mota (Martins Mota) – Brazilian Army Special Forces Veteran

BRICS was born as a promising economic arrangement, but it has evolved into a geopolitical axis that challenges the West. The inclusion of countries like Iran, Saudi Arabia and Egypt consolidates the alignment with autocratic powers.

For Brazil, this change calls for reflection: does being part of a group led by China and Russia make sense for a Western country?

BRICS was born as a promising economic arrangement, but it has evolved into a geopolitical axis that challenges the West. The inclusion of countries like Iran, Saudi Arabia and Egypt consolidates the alignment with autocratic powers.

For Brazil, this change calls for reflection: does being part of a group led by China and Russia make sense for a Western country?

China and Russia: the real BRICS Leaders

China uses the BRICS to expand its global influence and de-dollarize the financial system.
Russia sees the bloc as a tool to break its geopolitical isolation and circumvent sanctions.

Both promote a multipolar order that challenges the democratic and liberal principles that shape Brazil’s structure.

Brazil between two civilizations

Brazil belongs to the Western civilizational matrix, based on:

  • Greek philosophy (rationality and critical thinking).
  • Roman Law (legal basis and citizenship).
  • Judeo-Christian tradition (moral and ethical values).

China and Russia, on the other hand, represent autocratic, collectivist and dirigiste models that are incompatible with this tradition.

If BRICS were an economic bloc, it would make sense to join. But by becoming an instrument of geopolitical dispute, Brazil is playing for a team from another street, not its own, in the neighborhood soccer championship.

Autocracies vs Democracies: a necessary choice

The world is polarized between liberal democracies and autocratic regimes:

  • Democracies (USA, EU, Japan): individual freedoms, market economy and rule of law.
  • Autocracies (China, Russia, Iran): state control, political repression and expansion of influence.

Brazil must align itself with nations that share its political and economic matrix or take a big risk.

Brazil: playing on the wrong street¹

The attempt to balance between opposing blocs is dangerous.

  • BRICS offers no security guarantees.
  • The US and Europe remain our main markets.
  • Brazil is not an autocratic regime.

In a BRICS of geopolitical contestation, Brazil should reconsider its permanence. The country cannot exchange Roman Law for Chinese dirigisme, Greek Philosophy for Mao’s thought and the Judeo-Christian Tradition for the Chinese Communist Party.

The future of brazilian choice

In 1942, Brazil was living under Vargas’ Estado Novo Dictatorship, whose model was inspired by Mussolini’s Fascism and maintained links with Hitler’s Nazi Regime, but the natural cultural base spoke louder, reinforced by American pressure.

Now Brazil needs to redefine its place.

  • Staying in BRICS only makes sense if the bloc prioritizes economic cooperation and not ideological clashes against the West.
  • Persisting in this position could isolate the country on an axis that is not its own by nature.

In geopolitics, knowing where to stand is essential. Brazil is playing for the wrong team on the wrong field.

What do you think about Brazil’s future in BRICS? Leave a comment for the author! (external link Linkedin)

¹Note: Street soccer is a big part of Brazilian culture and a key factor in developing the country’s world-famous football talent. Kids play in streets, alleys, and empty lots, often using makeshift goals and improvised balls. This style of play encourages creativity, quick thinking, and the famous “jogo bonito” (beautiful game), which has shaped legends like Pelé, Ronaldinho, and Neymar.

By admin