The Silent Coup Against the West
“The unipolar world is over.”
— Vladimir Putin, BRICS+ Summit, Johannesburg 2023
While Washington obsesses over TikTok bans and NATO budgets, a new geopolitical order is taking shape — not through warplanes or treaties, but through trade corridors, oil pricing, and financial architecture. BRICS, once dismissed as a talk shop of emerging economies, has now become a calculated counterweight to Western hegemony — and Russia is its chief architect.
Behind this movement is Vladimir Putin’s strategic doctrine of multipolarity — a vision rooted in dismantling the West’s monopoly on currency, narrative, and influence. Under his leadership, BRICS has expanded into a geopolitical syndicate of ten nations that control a massive share of global oil, rare earths, grain, and data routes.
According to a leaked G7 intelligence briefing obtained by Le Monde, the Kremlin views BRICS not as a bloc, but as a platform for “economic insurgency”. With over 40% of the world’s GDP (PPP) and half the population, it now poses a real threat to the dollar-backed status quo.
Yet ironically, this revolution is advancing — not because of confrontation — but because of American retreat.
Trump’s Silence Is BRICS’ Shield
Back in the White House, Donald Trump is not fighting BRICS. He’s ignoring it. During his 2024 campaign, Trump repeatedly mocked NATO, questioned Ukraine funding, and vowed to end “globalist spending.” But what passed unnoticed was his quiet indifference to BRICS’ aggressive moves.
In leaked remarks from a Houston fundraiser obtained by Politico, Trump reportedly said:
“Let China and Russia build their little club. We’ll build America.”
While not a formal endorsement, his America First policy has translated into geopolitical disengagement, allowing BRICS to expand influence in Africa, the Gulf, and Asia without resistance.
Former US Ambassador to India Kenneth Juster described it bluntly:
“BRICS is moving in a vacuum the US left behind. Trump may not believe in global coalitions, but BRICS does.”
That vacuum is now being filled — rapidly, deliberately, and with oil.
How Saudi Arabia and the UAE Are Dismantling the Petrodollar
In 1974, Washington and Riyadh struck the deal that built the modern US empire: oil would be priced exclusively in dollars, in exchange for military protection. That deal is now dying — by the hand of the very princes who once signed it.
Over the past two years, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have quietly broken the petrodollar pact. The evidence is unmistakable:
- 20% of Saudi oil exports are now priced in yuan, rupees, and dirhams, not dollars.
- The UAE launched a digital currency pilot with China, integrated with India, and linked to BRICS discussions on a unified financial network.
- MBS and MBZ are hosting Chinese and Russian delegations at an unprecedented frequency, finalizing trade deals outside of US regulatory reach.
Saudi Arabia’s decision to skip renewing the 50-year petrodollar accord in 2024 was never publicly announced — but it was very real. According to an internal IMF memo seen by The Eastern Herald, Saudi officials confirmed they would allow multiple currencies in bilateral oil deals starting Q4 2024.
This is a financial revolution disguised as diversification.
Qatar’s Dual-Edged Strategy: Media Domination, Financial Insurgency
In the BRICS theater, Qatar plays a far subtler game. The gas-rich emirate isn’t a full BRICS member — but it doesn’t need to be. Qatar controls two priceless assets that BRICS nations desperately want: media and liquidity.
An internal Qatari Ministry of Information memo, leaked via Middle East Monitor, reveals plans to expand Al Jazeera’s reach in Portuguese, Russian, and Hindi, targeting emerging BRICS audiences.
Second, the finance. Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) — with assets over $500 billion — is becoming the Gulf’s unofficial venture capitalist for BRICS-friendly economies. In 2024 alone:
- QIA invested $4.5B in Kazakhstan’s mining infrastructure (a key rare earth partner for China).
- Backed a joint digital bank with Brazil focused on BRICS cross-border trade.
- Funded Iran’s shipping upgrades in Chabahar and Bandar Abbas.
In short: Qatar doesn’t just fund football. It funds soft power. And BRICS is banking on it.
In the shadows of global finance, Russia and China are orchestrating a seismic shift. Their weapon? A decentralized, blockchain-based payment system known as BRICS Pay. This initiative aims to bypass the US-dominated SWIFT network, enabling BRICS nations to conduct transactions in their own currencies, effectively undermining the hegemony of the US dollar, according to the Modern Diplomacy.
The Architecture of BRICS Pay
BRICS Pay is not merely a theoretical construct; it’s a tangible, evolving infrastructure. Spearheaded by Russia and China, this system is designed to facilitate cross-border transactions among BRICS nations using national currencies and digital assets.
The system’s backbone is a Decentralized Cross-border Messaging System (DCMS), developed by Russian scientists. This open-source platform allows participants to manage their own nodes, ensuring resilience against external interference. It supports encrypted messaging and customizable transaction parameters, aiming for 20,000 messages per second.
Strategic Implications
The development of BRICS Pay is a direct response to Western sanctions, particularly those imposed on Russia. By creating an alternative to SWIFT, BRICS nations seek to insulate themselves from economic coercion and assert financial sovereignty.
This move is not just about circumventing sanctions; it’s about reshaping the global financial order. By reducing reliance on the US dollar, BRICS nations aim to diminish the West’s economic leverage and promote a multipolar world economy.
Challenges and Outlook
While the ambition is clear, the path forward is fraught with challenges. Brazil’s central bank, for instance, has expressed skepticism about the feasibility of a unified BRICS currency, citing the lack of a substantial asset base to rival the dollar.
Moreover, integrating diverse economies with varying levels of technological advancement and regulatory frameworks poses significant hurdles. Yet, the momentum behind BRICS Pay indicates a collective determination to overcome these obstacles and forge a new financial paradigm.
The Digital Ruble and Yuan: Tools of Financial Sovereignty
In the evolving landscape of global finance, Russia and China are pioneering central bank digital currencies (CBDCs)—the digital ruble and digital yuan (e-CNY)—as instruments to bolster financial sovereignty and challenge the dominance of the U.S. dollar.
Russia’s Digital Ruble: A Strategic Response to Sanctions
Russia’s journey toward a digital ruble has been marked by both ambition and caution. Initially slated for a full-scale launch by July 2025, the Central Bank of Russia (CBR) has postponed the rollout indefinitely, The Moscow Times citing the need for further infrastructure development and stakeholder readiness.
Despite the delay, the CBR continues to advance the project. Notably, Sberbank, Russia’s largest bank, has joined the digital ruble pilot program, signaling institutional support.
The digital ruble aims to serve as a third form of national currency, complementing cash and non-cash forms. It is designed to enhance payment efficiency, reduce transaction costs, and provide a state-controlled alternative to cryptocurrencies.
Furthermore, the CBR has proposed allowing foreign banks to open digital ruble accounts, facilitating international transactions and potentially mitigating the impact of Western sanctions.
China’s Digital Yuan: Expanding Influence Through Technology
China’s digital yuan (e-CNY) represents a significant advancement in CBDC development. Unlike decentralized cryptocurrencies, the e-CNY is centrally controlled by the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) and is designed for retail transactions, offering users a convenient and secure payment method.
China has been proactive in promoting the digital yuan internationally. It has expanded the e-CNY’s reach to cross-border transactions, particularly within the mBridge project, a collaboration with countries like Thailand, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, aiming to facilitate cross-border payments using CBDCs.
Moreover, China is leveraging the digital yuan to internationalize the renminbi, with cross-border yuan payments reaching record levels and the currency’s presence expanding to over 30 countries.
Implications for Global Financial Dynamics
The development of the digital ruble and yuan signifies a strategic move by Russia and China to assert greater control over their financial systems and reduce reliance on Western-dominated financial infrastructures like SWIFT.
By offering state-backed digital currencies, both nations aim to enhance transaction efficiency, promote financial inclusion, and strengthen economic resilience against external pressures.
As these CBDCs mature, they could reshape international trade, challenge the supremacy of the U.S. dollar, and usher in a new era of multipolar financial governance.
The mBridge Initiative: A New Era of Cross-Border CBDC Collaboration
In the evolving landscape of global finance, the mBridge project stands out as a significant endeavor aiming to revolutionize cross-border transactions through the use of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs).
Genesis and Objectives
Launched in 2021, Project mBridge is a collaborative effort involving the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) Innovation Hub, the People’s Bank of China, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, the Bank of Thailand, and the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates. In 2024, the Saudi Central Bank joined the initiative, reflecting the project’s expanding influence .(Bank for International Settlements)
The primary objective of mBridge is to develop a multi-CBDC platform that facilitates real-time, peer-to-peer cross-border payments and foreign exchange transactions. By leveraging distributed ledger technology (DLT), the project aims to address inefficiencies in traditional cross-border payment systems, such as high costs, slow processing times, and operational complexities.
Technical Framework
At the heart of mBridge is the mBridge Ledger, a blockchain platform designed to support the issuance and exchange of multiple CBDCs. This ledger ensures compliance with jurisdiction-specific policies, legal requirements, and governance needs, providing a secure and efficient environment for international transactions.
The platform has reached the minimum viable product (MVP) stage, with participating central banks and commercial banks conducting real-value transactions to test its capabilities.
Geopolitical Implications
The mBridge project carries significant geopolitical weight. By enabling direct transactions between national currencies, it reduces reliance on traditional intermediaries and the US dollar, potentially reshaping global financial dynamics. The inclusion of major oil-exporting countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE suggests a move towards diversifying the currencies used in international trade, particularly in the energy sector.
However, the project’s trajectory has not been without challenges. In late 2024, the BIS announced its withdrawal from mBridge, citing the project’s readiness to continue independently. This move sparked discussions about the potential for mBridge to be utilized in ways that might circumvent international sanctions, although the BIS emphasized that its decision was not politically motivated.
Global Participation and Outlook
Beyond its founding members, mBridge has attracted interest from a broader international community. As of 2024, over 26 central banks and monetary authorities are observing the project, including institutions from Asia, the Middle East, and even the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
The project’s success could pave the way for a more inclusive and efficient global financial system, offering an alternative to existing cross-border payment infrastructures. As nations continue to explore and develop their own CBDCs, initiatives like mBridge may play a pivotal role in shaping the future of international finance.
The BRICS Bridge: A Strategic Move Towards Financial Autonomy
In the evolving landscape of global finance, the BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—have initiated the BRICS Bridge, a strategic endeavor aimed at enhancing financial autonomy and reducing reliance on Western-dominated financial systems.
Genesis and Objectives
The BRICS Bridge is envisioned as a cross-border payment system that leverages blockchain and digital currency technologies to facilitate transactions among member countries in their local currencies. This initiative seeks to provide an alternative to the SWIFT system, which is predominantly controlled by Western nations. By doing so, BRICS aims to mitigate the risks associated with geopolitical tensions and economic sanctions that can disrupt traditional financial networks.
Russia’s Role and Strategic Interests
Russia has been a driving force behind the BRICS Bridge, particularly in the wake of Western sanctions imposed due to geopolitical conflicts. President Vladimir Putin has emphasized the need for a sovereign financial infrastructure that can withstand external pressures. The BRICS Bridge aligns with Russia’s broader strategy to de-dollarize its economy and establish financial resilience through diversified payment channels.
Challenges and Reception Among BRICS Members
Despite Russia’s advocacy, the BRICS Bridge has encountered mixed reactions within the bloc. Some member countries have expressed caution regarding the implementation of such a system, citing concerns over technological readiness, regulatory frameworks, and potential repercussions from established financial powers. These reservations highlight the complexities involved in coordinating a unified financial infrastructure among diverse economies.
Implications for Global Financial Dynamics
The successful implementation of the BRICS Bridge could significantly alter the global financial landscape by introducing a multipolar system that offers alternatives to the U.S. dollar-centric model. It could empower emerging economies to conduct trade and financial transactions with greater autonomy, potentially leading to a more balanced and inclusive international monetary system.
The New Development Bank: BRICS’ Alternative to the IMF and World Bank
Foundational Objectives and Structure
The NDB was launched with an initial authorized capital of $100 billion, equally shared among the five founding members. Each member holds equal voting rights, ensuring a balanced governance structure without any single country wielding veto power . This egalitarian approach contrasts with the weighted voting systems of the IMF and World Bank, where decision-making power often correlates with financial contributions.
Complementing the NDB is the Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA), a framework established to provide support through liquidity and precautionary instruments in response to short-term balance of payments pressures. The CRA, also capitalized at $100 billion, serves as a financial safety net for member countries, reducing their reliance on the IMF during economic crises.
BRICS: AN ALTERNATIVE TO WORLD BANK AND IMFOperational Achievements and Challenges
By 2023, the NDB had approved over $30 billion in funding for infrastructure and sustainable development projects across BRICS nations, with approximately 30% of these funds disbursed in non-dollar currencies. This move aligns with the bank’s objective to promote financial autonomy and reduce dependence on the US dollar.
However, the NDB faces challenges in matching the scale and influence of established institutions. Critics point to its relatively modest capital base, continued reliance on the dollar for a significant portion of its operations, and the need for greater integration among member economies. Despite these hurdles, the NDB represents a concerted effort by BRICS nations to reshape the global financial architecture.
Strategic Expansion and Global Influence
The NDB has pursued an expansion strategy to include new member countries beyond the original BRICS nations. Notably, Algeria officially became a member in 2025, reflecting the bank’s commitment to supporting infrastructure and sustainable development projects in emerging economies.
Additionally, Colombia has applied to join the NDB, marking a significant move as Latin American nations increasingly seek alternatives to Western financial institutions. Colombia’s commitment includes a $512 million purchase of bank shares, with expectations of support for major infrastructure projects.
These expansions underscore the NDB’s growing role in providing financial solutions tailored to the needs of developing countries, challenging the traditional dominance of the IMF and World Bank.
The BRICS+ Expansion: Integrating the Gulf States and Redefining Global Economic Alliances
In recent years, the BRICS bloc—originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—has embarked on a significant expansion, inviting new members to join its ranks. This strategic move aims to reshape global economic alliances and reduce reliance on Western-dominated financial systems.
Inclusion of Gulf States: Saudi Arabia and the UAE
At the 15th BRICS summit in August 2023, invitations were extended to six countries: Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). While Argentina later declined the invitation, the other five countries accepted. The UAE officially joined BRICS on January 1, 2024, marking a significant step in integrating Gulf states into the bloc. Saudi Arabia, however, has delayed its formal membership without providing detailed explanations.
Strategic Motivations for Gulf States
The inclusion of Gulf states like the UAE and Saudi Arabia into BRICS reflects their strategic intent to diversify economic partnerships and enhance their global influence. By aligning with BRICS, these nations aim to expand diplomatic and economic ties, particularly with emerging markets, and reduce dependence on Western financial systems.
For instance, the UAE’s participation in BRICS aligns with its broader goals of economic diversification and establishing itself as a global financial hub. Similarly, Saudi Arabia’s interest in BRICS membership is seen as a move to strengthen its position in global economic affairs and explore alternative avenues for economic cooperation.
Implications for Global Economic Dynamics
The expansion of BRICS to include Gulf states signifies a shift towards a more multipolar global economic order. By incorporating major oil-producing countries, BRICS enhances its collective influence over global energy markets and financial systems. This move also provides member countries with alternative platforms for economic collaboration, potentially reducing the dominance of Western-led institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.
Furthermore, the inclusion of Gulf states may facilitate the use of local currencies in trade among BRICS members, challenging the traditional reliance on the US dollar for international transactions. Such developments could have profound implications for global financial stability and the future of international trade.
BRICS’ Strategic Shift: From Economic Bloc to Geopolitical Counterweight
The BRICS alliance—originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—has undergone a significant transformation. Evolving from a primarily economic consortium, BRICS is now positioning itself as a formidable geopolitical counterweight to Western dominance, particularly that of the United States and its allies.
Expansion and Enhanced Global Influence
In 2024, BRICS expanded its membership by welcoming Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), increasing its representation to nine member states. This expansion has amplified BRICS’ global footprint, with the bloc now accounting for approximately half of the world’s population and over 41% of global GDP when measured by purchasing power parity (PPP).
Further solidifying its global presence, BRICS introduced a new category of “partner countries” in January 2025. Thirteen nations, including Algeria, Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam, have been designated as partners, indicating a trajectory towards full membership.
Geopolitical Realignment and Strategic Objectives
BRICS’ expansion reflects a strategic realignment aimed at rebalancing global power structures. The bloc seeks to provide a platform for emerging economies to assert greater influence in international affairs, challenging the traditional dominance of Western institutions. This includes efforts to reform global governance systems and promote a multipolar world order.
Key strategic objectives of BRICS include:
- Promoting Multilateralism: Advocating for a more inclusive and representative global governance framework that reflects the interests of developing nations.
- Economic Cooperation: Enhancing trade and investment among member states, with a focus on sustainable development and infrastructure projects.
- Financial Autonomy: Reducing dependence on Western financial systems by exploring alternative payment mechanisms and increasing the use of local currencies in cross-border transactions.
Challenges and Internal Dynamics
Despite its ambitions, BRICS faces several challenges that could impact its effectiveness as a geopolitical counterweight:
- Diverse Political Systems: The varying political ideologies and governance structures among member states may lead to differing priorities and approaches to international issues.
- Economic Disparities: Significant differences in economic development levels and capacities could affect the bloc’s cohesion and decision-making processes.
- External Pressures: Western skepticism and potential pushback may influence the bloc’s initiatives and its members’ foreign policy decisions.
BRICS Pay and the Push for De-Dollarization: Transforming Global Financial Transactions
In the evolving landscape of international finance, the BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—are spearheading an initiative known as BRICS Pay. This decentralized payment system aims to reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar by facilitating cross-border transactions in local currencies among member states.
Objectives and Features of BRICS Pay
BRICS Pay is designed to:
- Facilitate Local Currency Transactions: By enabling payments in national currencies, BRICS Pay seeks to minimize foreign exchange risks and transaction costs associated with dollar conversions.
- Enhance Financial Connectivity: The system aims to collaborate with existing international and national payment infrastructures, creating gateways to improve cross-border financial interactions.
- Leverage Decentralized Technology: Employing a decentralized cross-border messaging system (DCMS), BRICS Pay ensures secure, transparent, and efficient transactions without a central controlling entity.
Strategic Implications
The implementation of BRICS Pay aligns with the bloc’s broader strategy to:
- Promote Financial Autonomy: By reducing dependency on Western-dominated financial systems like SWIFT, BRICS nations aim to safeguard their economies from external geopolitical pressures.
- Strengthen Economic Cooperation: Facilitating smoother trade and investment flows among member countries enhances intra-BRICS economic ties.
- Support De-Dollarization Efforts: The system is a tangible step towards diminishing the global dominance of the U.S. dollar in international trade.
Challenges and Considerations
Despite its potential, BRICS Pay faces several hurdles:
- Infrastructure Disparities: Varying levels of technological advancement among member countries may affect the uniform adoption and functionality of the system.
- Regulatory Harmonization: Aligning the diverse financial regulations and compliance standards across BRICS nations is a complex task.
- Global Acceptance: While BRICS Pay aims to reduce dollar dependence, achieving widespread acceptance beyond member countries remains a significant challenge.
The BRICS Investment Platform: Financing the Global South and Challenging Western Financial Hegemony
In a strategic move to bolster economic cooperation and provide alternative financial avenues for developing nations, the BRICS alliance has proposed the establishment of a dedicated investment platform. This initiative aims to support infrastructure and development projects across the Global South, offering a counterbalance to traditional Western-dominated financial institutions.
A Vision for Inclusive Development
During the 2024 BRICS summit in Kazan, Russian President Vladimir Putin introduced the concept of a new BRICS investment platform. He emphasized that such a platform could become a powerful tool for supporting member economies and providing financial resources to countries in the Global South and East. The proposal received backing from key participants in the BRICS Business Council, highlighting a collective commitment to enhancing mutual investment among member states.
The envisioned platform seeks to:
- Mobilize Resources: Facilitate the pooling of financial resources from BRICS nations to fund development projects.
- Support Infrastructure: Invest in critical infrastructure initiatives that drive economic growth and connectivity.
- Promote Financial Sovereignty: Offer alternatives to Western financial systems, reducing dependency on institutions like the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.
Complementing Existing Institutions
The proposed investment platform is designed to complement the efforts of the New Development Bank (NDB), established by BRICS in 2015. While the NDB focuses on providing loans and financial support for development projects, the new platform aims to enhance investment flows and economic collaboration among member countries. This dual approach reinforces BRICS’ commitment to fostering sustainable development and financial inclusivity.
Challenges and Considerations
Despite the promising prospects, the BRICS investment platform faces several challenges:
- Resource Mobilization: Ensuring adequate funding and equitable contributions from member states.
- Governance Structure: Establishing transparent and efficient governance mechanisms to manage investments and project selections.
- Integration with Global Systems: Navigating the complexities of integrating with existing global financial systems while maintaining autonomy.
Moreover, internal disparities among BRICS members, such as differing economic capacities and political priorities, may impact the platform’s cohesion and effectiveness.
BRICS- A New Framework for New South InclusivenessFinal Thoughts
The proposed BRICS investment platform represents a significant step towards redefining global financial dynamics. By providing alternative funding sources and promoting collaborative development, it has the potential to empower the Global South and challenge the prevailing Western financial hegemony. Success will depend on the collective will of BRICS nations to overcome internal challenges and commit to a shared vision of inclusive and sustainable growth.
