The recent BRICS summit, held in Kazan, Russia, with the participation of 36 countries including China, India, and Iran, began on Tuesday, focusing on global developments. Hosted by Vladimir Putin, with the presence of UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the summit took place despite Putin being under international scrutiny for war crimes in Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized China’s continued friendship with Russia despite global changes, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed the need for a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict. The Taliban sought to attend the summit but were not invited.
Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized China’s continued friendship with Russia despite global changes, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed the need for a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict. The Taliban sought to attend the summit but were not invited.
After World War II, the United States, through the establishment of various institutions, particularly in the economic sphere, expanded its global influence. Over time, this led to significant inequalities across the Global South. In response, countries like Russia and China led the formation of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) to counterbalance these disparities.
These global inequalities have made BRICS increasingly attractive to developing nations. Many countries have applied for membership, and recently, five countries, including Iran and Saudi Arabia, joined the group. Over 40 other nations have also submitted requests to join BRICS.
Potential Benefits of Afghanistan Joining BRICS
Several reasons make BRICS appealing to Afghanistan:
1.Global Economic Platform: BRICS is becoming a powerful global economic group, representing 35% of the world’s GDP, 44.9% of its population, 40% of its oil reserves, and 30% of foreign direct investment. This economic capacity makes BRICS a suitable platform for reviving Afghanistan’s economy.
2.Challenges of Western Systems: BRICS opposes Western-dominated economic institutions. Given Afghanistan’s unsuccessful experience with Western institutions over the past two decades, BRICS could offer valuable opportunities under specific conditions.
3.Geopolitical Position: Afghanistan’s strategic geographic location places it along major global trade routes. Participation in these corridors could yield significant economic benefits and strengthen the country’s role in regional trade.
4.Support from China and Russia: Influential countries like China and Russia may support Afghanistan’s membership to prevent the country from leaning toward the West.
Conditions for Afghanistan’s Membership in BRICS
To benefit from BRICS, Afghanistan must meet certain essential conditions:
1.International Recognition: The first condition for Afghanistan’s membership is recognition and acceptance by the global community. Without this, joining BRICS and benefiting from its economic advantages will not be possible. This recognition is also critical for expanding exports and attracting foreign investment.
2.Sustainable Economic Growth: Overcoming the current economic crisis and achieving sustainable growth is another requirement for joining BRICS. Afghanistan must implement large-scale economic projects like mining and transit to prepare its economy for BRICS membership.
3.Political and Security Stability: Without political and security stability, Afghanistan’s BRICS membership will be impossible. The country’s leaders must strengthen political and security structures and adopt more open policies to establish stability.
The Role of International Corridors in Afghanistan’s Economy
International corridors are key elements in the emerging global order. If Afghanistan can secure peace and stability, it could become a vital route along the North-South Corridor. Projects like the Trans-Afghan Railway could significantly boost Afghanistan’s economy and integrate the country into regional trade flows.
Additionally, the Wakhan Corridor, which connects BRICS members Iran and China, could significantly impact Afghanistan’s foreign trade. This trade route could link Afghanistan to China and other regional countries, helping pull the country out of its current economic isolation.
The Role of the BRICS Bank in Afghanistan’s Economic Development
Another potential benefit for Afghanistan within BRICS is access to the financial resources of the New Development Bank (NDB). Established to finance development projects in BRICS countries and other developing nations, the NDB could play a crucial role in funding Afghanistan’s infrastructure projects, particularly in the mining sector.
Ultimately, BRICS presents significant opportunities for Afghanistan. However, joining the group will require major reforms in both domestic and international policies. Afghanistan’s government must work toward gaining international recognition and fostering economic and political stability to fully capitalize on these opportunities.
