A Shift Towards Multipolarity.
The rise of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) coalition reshapes the landscape of global economic and political power. As emerging market economies with growing influence, BRICS nations seek to challenge the dominance of Western-led institutions. This shift became more pronounced during the Trump administration (2017-2021), which adopted an “America First” policy prioritizing U.S. interests over multilateral cooperation.
Donald Trump’s foreign policy, characterized by trade wars, unilateralism, and withdrawal from international agreements, inadvertently strengthens BRICS unity and propels the coalition to take a more assertive role in global governance. The BRICS response to Trump’s America First policies spans key areas such as trade, diplomacy, climate change, and global governance. Examining BRICS’ strategic actions provides insight into the evolving landscape of global power and the shifting dynamics between emerging and established powers.
Economic Countermeasures: Trade and Investment Diversification
U.S.-China Trade War and BRICS Economic Realignment
One of the defining features of Trump’s “America First” policy is the trade war with China. Imposing tariffs on Chinese goods, amounting to hundreds of billions of dollars, triggers retaliatory measures from Beijing. This trade conflict disrupts global supply chains and prompts China to strengthen economic ties with other BRICS nations.
In response, China increases its imports of agricultural products from Brazil and Russia to offset U.S. trade restrictions. Brazil, in particular, emerges as a major beneficiary, with its soybean exports to China reaching record levels. Russia capitalizes on the situation by boosting energy exports to China, further diversifying its economic base away from Western markets.
Expansion of Intra-BRICS Trade and Investment
The BRICS coalition responds to U.S. protectionism by expanding intra-BRICS trade and promoting economic self-reliance. The BRICS Business Council facilitates cross-border investments, while initiatives such as the BRICS Payment System aim to reduce dependency on the U.S. dollar for trade settlements.
China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), supported by Russia and South Africa, provides an alternative avenue for infrastructure investment and economic development. By deepening trade partnerships within the Global South, BRICS nations mitigate the risks posed by U.S. economic policies.
Geopolitical Responses: Realigning Alliances and Regional Influence
Russia’s Pivot to China
Facing increased U.S. sanctions and diplomatic isolation, Russia accelerates its strategic partnership with China. This realignment is formalized through joint military exercises, energy agreements, and collaborative projects in the Arctic. The two nations present a united front against U.S. policies aimed at containing their global influence.
During Trump’s presidency, the BRICS summits consistently highlighted multilateralism’s importance and the rejection of protectionist policies. Russia and China have led efforts to present BRICS as a counterweight to U.S. unilateralism, advocating for a rules-based international order that respects the sovereignty of all nations.
India’s Balancing Act
India faces a delicate balancing act between aligning with the U.S. on security matters and maintaining its role within BRICS. While India strengthens defense cooperation with the U.S. through the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), it simultaneously deepens economic ties with BRICS nations.
India plays a crucial role in BRICS initiatives to reform global institutions, advocating for greater representation for developing nations in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and the World Trade Organization (WTO). India’s commitment to BRICS underscores the coalition’s broader strategic importance despite border tensions with China.
Institutional Strengthening: The BRICS Development Bank and Alternative Financial Systems
New Development Bank (NDB) as a Counterweight to IMF and World Bank
One of the most tangible responses to “America First” policies is the expansion of the New Development Bank (NDB), established by BRICS to finance infrastructure and sustainable development projects. The NDB provides an alternative to Western-dominated financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.
During the Trump administration, the NDB approves billions in loans for member states, reducing their reliance on U.S.-backed financial assistance. The bank’s flexible lending policies and focus on regional projects enhance BRICS’ economic resilience in the face of U.S. trade and monetary policies.
De-dollarization Efforts and Currency Swaps
BRICS nations accelerate efforts to reduce dependency on the U.S. dollar in international trade. Russia and China lead de-dollarization initiatives by conducting bilateral trade in local currencies. The BRICS Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA), a framework for providing liquidity during financial crises, further insulates member states from U.S. monetary policy fluctuations.
These initiatives reflect a broader goal of creating a multipolar financial system that withstands U.S. economic coercion.
Diplomatic Initiatives: Advocacy for Multilateralism
Paris Agreement and Climate Diplomacy
Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord prompts a unified response from BRICS nations, who reaffirm their commitment to addressing climate change. China and India emerge as global leaders in renewable energy development, while Brazil and South Africa emphasize the importance of sustainable economic growth.
BRICS forums consistently emphasize the need for international cooperation to tackle global challenges, reinforcing the bloc’s commitment to multilateralism.
Reform of Global Governance Institutions
BRICS nations intensify calls for reforming global governance institutions, highlighting the need for greater representation of emerging economies. This push aims to counterbalance U.S. dominance in the IMF, World Bank, and WTO.
The Trump administration’s attempts to weaken the WTO by blocking the appointment of judges to its appellate body further galvanize BRICS efforts to strengthen alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
Conclusion
The Trump administration’s “America First” policies catalyze greater cohesion and assertiveness within the BRICS coalition. By emphasizing economic self-reliance, expanding multilateral institutions, and advocating for global governance reform, BRICS nations counter U.S. unilateralism and lay the groundwork for a more multipolar world order.
As geopolitical rivalries intensify, BRICS plays a crucial role in shaping the global economic landscape, offering an alternative vision to the traditional Western-centric model. The legacy of Trump’s “America First” approach thus remains a defining factor in the evolving dynamics of international relations.
