JOHANNESBURG- Leaders from the BRICS nations are set to convene in South Africa next week with the aim of transforming this consortium of countries, which collectively contribute to a quarter of the global economy, into a formidable geopolitical entity capable of challenging the Western hegemony in global affairs.

The upcoming BRICS summit will see the absence of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is currently facing an international arrest warrant related to alleged war crimes in Ukraine. This gathering of leaders from Brazil, India, China, and South Africa is shadowed by internal divisions regarding the bloc's potential expansion to include numerous nations from the "Global South."

South Africa will serve as the host for the summit, where prominent figures such as Chinese President Xi Jinping, former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be in attendance. Scheduled from August 22 to 24, the summit aims to foster cooperation among these nations.

Despite their geographical dispersion and diverse economic systems, the common thread binding the BRICS nations is their shared skepticism toward the existing world order, which they perceive as catering to the interests of wealthier nations like the United States and its allies. The BRICS countries emphasize that while these established powers enforce international norms, they don't consistently adhere to them.

The summit presents an opportunity for these nations to strategize on how to collectively exert influence, redefine global dynamics, and challenge the existing power structure that often marginalizes their interests.

While specific details regarding the agenda of the upcoming BRICS summit remain limited, the issue of expansion is anticipated to take center stage. Around 40 nations, including Saudi Arabia, Argentina, and Egypt, have expressed interest in joining the group, either formally or informally, as confirmed by South Africa.

The drive for expansion within BRICS reflects divergent views among its member nations. China, in its pursuit of greater geopolitical influence amid its ongoing rivalry with the United States, is eager to expedite the enlargement of the bloc. In contrast, Brazil is cautious about expansion, concerned that it might dilute the influence and significance of the already diverse coalition.

China's foreign ministry expressed its support for the expansion of BRICS membership, welcoming like-minded partners to join the "BRICS family" in the near future, as the country aims to enhance its global presence. Russia, grappling with diplomatic isolation due to the Ukraine conflict, is also motivated to incorporate new members into the alliance. South Africa, a key African ally of Russia, shares this enthusiasm for expansion.

India, however, appears to be undecided on this matter, navigating a middle ground.

The 15th BRICS summit's theme, "BRICS and Africa," is a nod to the host nation's continental location. This theme underscores the bloc's exploration of avenues to strengthen ties with Africa, which has increasingly become a stage for the competition among global powers.

As BRICS countries consider expansion and bolstering their influence, they are also exploring opportunities to collaborate with Africa, recognizing its growing significance in international affairs.

Addressing their collective agenda, South Africa's foreign minister, Naledi Pandor, emphasized that the BRICS nations are striving to exhibit "global leadership in addressing the needs" of the world's majority by advocating for development and inclusion of the Global South within multilateral frameworks. This sentiment was subtly directed at challenging the prevailing Western dominance in international affairs.

The BRICS nations are resolute in their efforts to position themselves as alternative partners for development, distinct from the Western powers. China's foreign ministry reinforced this stance, stating that the bloc seeks to reform global governance systems to enhance the representation of developing countries and emerging markets.

The New Development Bank (NDB) within BRICS aspires to reshape financial dynamics by reducing reliance on the dollar and providing an alternative to the criticized Bretton Woods institutions. However, the NDB's loan disbursement has been limited, approving $33 billion in nearly a decade—just a fraction of the disbursements by the World Bank in a single year. The NDB has also grappled with challenges due to sanctions imposed on member Russia.

While discussions about a BRICS currency, previously proposed by Brazil, have been sidelined, the bloc's significance extends to environmental concerns. Despite accounting for 40% of the global population, BRICS nations collectively contribute a corresponding share of greenhouse gas emissions.

 While climate change may be a topic of consideration, it appears unlikely to take precedence in discussions. BRICS countries attribute most global warming to wealthier nations and advocate for a greater burden-sharing in the decarbonization of the world's energy supply. Notably, China's stance on climate discussions, particularly at the G20, has faced scrutiny and rebuttal.

In their pursuit of reshaping global dynamics, BRICS members aim to exert influence on multiple fronts, spanning finance, development, and environmental issues.