The BRICS mechanism is more relevant in the current geopolitical environment as a platform to offer alternative solutions, South African scholars say.
Ari Sitas, an emeritus professor at the University of Cape Town, said the rise in unilateralism, protectionism and conflicts in various parts of the world has given BRICS a more important role to play.
"BRICS is relevant more than it started because it has to provide a counterweight to random decisions that are taken based on power in the world now. It owes the developing world a protective umbrella from the madness that is happening to the rest of the world," said Sitas.
"BRICS can provide (a) counterpoint to the dynamics in the world's systems now, and it should continue to be tolerant between countries," said Sitas, who is also former chairperson of the South African BRICS Think Tank.
He added that BRICS is not only reshaping economics and redefining who produces knowledge and scientific research worldwide, but also helping to advocate for peace.
